Directional Locking Teeth for Cable Fixturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixturing systems for securing surfaces or cables lack effective mechanisms to prevent movement in one direction while allowing movement in another, leading to instability and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A fixturing apparatus featuring a member with a plurality of rigid locking teeth that are angled and arranged in specific orientations to create a passage that allows movement in one direction but prevents it in the opposite direction, using a flexible strap with loop-type fasteners to engage the teeth and secure cables or surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible loop-type fastener and flexible hook-type fastener system is used to releaseably secure surfaces, then ease of operation is improved, but stability and reliability are worsened due to inability to prevent movement in all directions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking teeth are designed with asymmetric geometry featuring a sloping side and a gripping edge perpendicular to the base. This asymmetric configuration allows the fastener to move freely in one direction (insertion) while preventing movement in the opposite direction (locking), thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static flexible-flexible fastener system to a dynamic system where the rigid locking teeth provide directional constraints. The rigid teeth allow insertion movement but dynamically block reverse movement, achieving both ease of operation and reliability
2Reliability
If a rigid locking tooth structure is introduced to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete locking teeth arranged in rows on the base. Each tooth is a simple geometric element with a base, sloping side, and gripping edge. This segmentation allows the complex function of directional locking to be achieved through multiple simple, identical elements rather than a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of tooth rigidity from flexible to rigid, and arranges them in specific geometric patterns. This parameter change enables the simple rigid teeth to provide stable directional locking without requiring complex control mechanisms or additional components
Data Source
AI summary
A fixturing apparatus that includes a planar member having a first end, a second end, a front surface, and a rear surface, wherein the planar member is formed to include an aperture extending therethrough, a handle attached to the front surface adjacent the second end and extending outwardly therefrom, and a plurality of locking teeth disposed on the rear surface adjacent the second end.