Elastomeric Tie-Wrap Assembly for Consistent Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tie-wraps and banding tools for animal elastration lack consistency and sufficiency in tension, and are often expensive and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A tie-wrap assembly featuring an elastomeric coupling member positioned between the locking head and elongated strap, fabricated from thermoplastic materials like nylon and thermoplastic elastomers, ensuring constant and sufficient tension for secure engagement of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tie-wraps and banding tools are used for animal elastration, then the procedure can be performed, but the tension is inconsistent and insufficient, and the tools are expensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-wrap assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid locking head for secure engagement, a flexible elastomeric coupling member for tension maintenance, and a thermoplastic strap for binding. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function, with the elastomeric portion providing consistent tension through its elastic properties while the locking head provides secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the elastomeric coupling member's ability to change physical parameters under load. The elastomer undergoes elastic deformation when the strap is tightened, storing mechanical energy and maintaining constant tension on the banded object. This parameter change (elastic deformation) ensures reliable tension without requiring complex tooling.
2Ease of operation
If conventional banding tools are used for animal elastration, then the procedure can be performed, but the tools are expensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-wrap assembly is designed to be self-applied without requiring external banding tools. The elastomeric coupling member automatically maintains tension as the strap is pulled through the locking head, and the ratchet mechanism prevents slippage. This self-service design eliminates the need for expensive, cumbersome banding tools while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric coupling member acts as an intermediary between the rigid locking head and the thermoplastic strap. It transfers and maintains tension forces, allowing the assembly to function without external tools. This intermediary component mediates the force transmission, enabling simple manual application while ensuring consistent tension.
3Strength
If conventional tie-wraps are used, then they can be applied to objects, but they fail to provide sufficient and constant tension for secure engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric coupling member is pre-configured to provide cushioning and tension maintenance before the strap is fully tightened. As the strap is pulled through the locking head, the elastomer deforms elastically, storing energy and maintaining constant tension on the banded object. This beforehand cushioning ensures sufficient engagement strength from the moment of application.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie-wrap assembly combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a rigid locking head material for secure attachment, an elastomeric coupling member material for tension maintenance, and a thermoplastic strap material for structural integrity. This composite material approach ensures both sufficient force application and strong engagement strength that conventional single-material tie-wraps cannot achieve.
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
The tie-wrap assembly provides consistent and sufficient tension for secure engagement of objects, eliminating the need for cumbersome banding tools and reducing animal discomfort during procedures like castration.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric subassembly or coupling positioned generally between the tie-wrap head and the elongated strap to ensure that the tie-wrap assembly engages the banded object with both constant and sufficient tension
Data Source
AI summary
A tie-wrap assembly having a locking head, an elongated strap body spaced apart from the locking head, and a coupling member, wherein the coupling member is connected to and disposed between the locking head and the elongated strap body, and wherein the coupling member is fabricated from an elastomeric material.