Extended Support Clip Encapsulating Metal Locking Tie Cut-Off Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal locking ties with extended tie body cut-offs expose sharp edges, posing a risk of injury during installation and use, as existing designs either conceal these edges within the tie head or leave them exposed.
Innovation Solution
An extended support clip that encapsulates the cut-off edges of the tie body, enhancing the tie's tensile strength and providing additional length to ensure proper locking ball seating, while being retrofittable and featuring a dimple for secure retention and a tensioning shear form for resistance during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the tie body cut-off is extended outside the tie head, then additional tie body length is provided for proper locking ball seating, but sharp edges are exposed creating injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
A support clip is introduced as an intermediary component between the extended tie body and the external environment. The support clip encapsulates the cut-off edges of the tie body, providing the necessary additional length for locking ball seating while preventing direct contact with sharp edges. This mediator resolves the contradiction by allowing the beneficial extension while eliminating the harmful exposure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tie body cut-off is concealed within the tie head, then sharp edges are hidden preventing injury, but insufficient tie body length is available for proper locking ball seating
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of concealing the extended tie body within the confines of the tie head (one-dimensional solution), the support clip extends the functional length in a different spatial dimension. The clip attaches to the tie head and projects outward, providing the necessary additional length for locking ball seating while maintaining edge encapsulation. This dimensional approach allows both safety and functional length requirements to be met simultaneously.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a support clip is added to encapsulate cut-off edges, then injury risk is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support clip is designed with specific geometric parameters that enable it to perform multiple functions with a single component. The C-shaped cross-section provides both edge encapsulation and structural support, while the dimple feature enables secure attachment to the tie head. By optimizing these parameters, the clip achieves effective edge protection without requiring multiple separate components, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A metal locking tie (10) and support clip (50) for securing a bundle are disclosed. The metal locking tie is positioned within the support clip. The metal locking tie has a tie head (12) and a tie body (22). The tie head includes a locking ball (14) and a bottom with an opening. The tie body includes a first end and a second end with cut-off edges (26). The support clip supports the bottom of the tie head and encapsulates the cut-off edges of the second end of the tie body.