Elastic Cable Holding Device for M6 Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding devices for elongated elements in C-shaped rails are complex to handle, particularly when multiple cables need to be inserted, and are limited to specific rail dimensions, such as M8, making them unsuitable for smaller rails like M6, which are commonly used in metal profile structures.

Innovation Solution

A holding device with an elastically deformable holding part and a manipulation part for snap-fastening, allowing easy positioning and fixing of elongated elements in smaller rails, featuring a protuberance and ribs for secure engagement, and a hollow cylindrical body for support, enabling the device to be made from a lightweight, one-piece elastic material like rubber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a rectangular ring holding device with teeth is used to fix multiple cables in a C-rail, then the cables can be held securely, but the device becomes complex to handle and the transverse width is limited by the access slot width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of cablesVSAvoidhandling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is divided into a manipulation part (for insertion and fixing) and a holding part (for holding cables). This segmentation allows the device to be inserted through the access slot separately, then expanded to hold multiple cables, resolving the contradiction between handling ease and cable quantity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding part is made elastically deformable, allowing it to change shape during insertion (compressed to fit through slot) and after insertion (expanded to hold cables). This dynamic behavior enables the device to overcome the width limitation of the access slot while still accommodating multiple cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rectangular ring holding device is used, then cables can be fixed in M8 rails, but the device cannot be used in smaller M6 rails due to width limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverail size compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of cables
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The holding part's elastic deformability allows it to change its transverse width parameter dynamically. When inserted, it compresses to fit through narrow access slots in M6 rails, then expands to accommodate multiple cables, providing adaptability across different rail sizes while maintaining cable quantity capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple cables are inserted simultaneously into a holding device, then all cables are fixed at once, but the handling becomes more complex and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Cables are inserted into the holding part before the device is fixed in the C-rail. The holding part's elastic structure allows cables to be fed in sequentially through the access slot, then the entire assembly is fixed in one action, combining ease of operation with efficient installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates the simple and rapid installation of a large number of cables in smaller C-shaped rails, such as M6, improving handling ease and accommodating multiple cables simultaneously while reducing material usage and weight compared to existing devices.

Implementation Method 1

the holding part being elastically deformable in a transverse direction and in the direction insertion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

fixing of the device by snap-fastening across the slot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSnap-fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3869649A1Holding device, associated assembly and attachment method
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 ALSTOM HOLDINGS SA
  • EP3869649A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3869649A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3869649A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A retaining device (10) designed to hold at least one elongated element in a longitudinal recess provided in a structure, the structure further having an access slot for the recess. The device (10) comprises: - a handling portion (30), shaped to allow the device (10) to be placed in the recess and secured by snapping it across the slot; and - a retaining portion (32), designed to hold each elongated element in the recess. The retaining portion is shaped to bear against at least a portion of each elongated element and to hold each elongated element against a bottom of the recess.