Flexible Cable Positioning Arrangement for Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable positioning in construction and other industries is challenging due to difficulties in maintaining the correct position of cables, leading to increased time and cost, especially in 'fast-fix' installations, where electricians often need to reposition cables after plastering, and existing solutions like wooden supports are cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A flexible member, such as an elastic band, is used to position cables by passing through a hole, providing a quick, easy, and non-obstructive method to maintain cable position, with features like pre-formed holes, tensioning for stability, and easy attachment to structures, allowing for accurate and efficient cable placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure (like wooden noggin) is used to position cables, then cable positioning stability is improved, but device complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible tape instead of rigid wooden noggins or complex metal brackets. The tape is thin, flexible, and can be easily attached to joists or studs to provide cable support without the complexity and bulk of traditional rigid supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tape is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced or adjusted if needed, unlike expensive wooden noggins or metal brackets that require precise installation and are difficult to modify.
2Stability of the object's composition
If solid support structures are used to hold cables, then cable position is maintained, but access to other areas is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The thin flexible tape provides cable support while being minimally intrusive. It can be attached to the surface of joists or studs without blocking access to the spaces between them, allowing plasterers and other workers to move freely during construction.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional wooden noggins are used for cable support, then cable positioning is improved, but installation time and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tape can be quickly attached to joists or studs using simple fasteners, eliminating the time-consuming process of cutting, fitting, and securing wooden noggins. The tape's flexibility allows for rapid installation while maintaining accurate cable positioning.
4Strength
If rigid support structures are used, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tape can be easily cut to different lengths and attached to various types of joists or studs, adapting to different construction scenarios. Its flexibility allows it to conform to different geometries and be installed in tight or difficult-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The tape's flexibility allows it to be dynamically adjusted during installation and use, unlike rigid supports that must be precisely fitted before installation. It can be moved, repositioned, or removed as needed without damage.
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 flexible member effectively maintains cable position during construction, reducing installation time and material waste by allowing easy repositioning and removal, while being less voluminous and more transportable than traditional supports, thus lowering costs and improving access.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible member may be distortable under the application of a force and sufficiently flexible to remain in its distorted position when the force is removed
Implementation Method 2
the flexible member may be a flexible cord that, when extended between the structures, is under sufficient tension that it is rigid and self-supporting
Data Source
AI summary
A cable positioning arrangement comprises a flexible member, such as an elastic band or cord, extending between two structures. The flexible member is associated with a hole through which a cable passes thereby positioning the cable relative to the structures.