Flexible Cable Restraint Belt for Short-Circuit Spreading Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable cleat standards, such as IEC 61914, do not address the excessive spreading of flexible power cables during short circuit events, which can cause damage to the cables and surrounding items.

Innovation Solution

A cable restraint system comprising an outer belt and inner liner with flanges forming an intermeshing coupler, secured by a fastener, to limit lateral and axial movement of flexible cables during short circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If standard cable cleats are used to control cable movement during short circuit events, then rigid cable control is achieved, but flexible cables spread excessively and cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable position stabilityVSAvoidcable spreading damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable restraint uses a flexible belt structure that can deform and move with the flexible cables during short circuit events. The belt is made of flexible material that allows lateral movement while maintaining containment, preventing the cables from spreading excessively and causing damage to surrounding items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cable restraint is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing it to flex and move with the cables during short circuit events. The flexible belt can deform to accommodate cable movement while still providing effective containment and preventing excessive spreading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid cable restraints are used to prevent cable movement, then cable position control is improved, but the cables cannot flex during short circuit events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable position controlVSAvoidcable flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system uses a flexible belt that can adapt to cable movement and deformation during short circuit events. The flexibility of the belt allows it to move with the cables while maintaining effective containment, providing both position control and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cable restraint changes its physical state from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic, flexible structure that can deform and move with the cables. This parameter change allows the restraint to maintain control while adapting to cable flexibility during short circuit events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If cable restraints are designed for standard cables, then standard cable control is achieved, but flexible cables require different restraint mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable control effectivenessVSAvoidcable type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible belt structure provides a universal restraint mechanism that works effectively with flexible cables, which have different movement characteristics compared to standard cables. The flexibility of the belt allows it to adapt to the specific properties of flexible cables while maintaining reliable control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cable restraint is designed with universal applicability to work with flexible cables in various configurations and environments. The flexible belt structure can accommodate different cable types and movement patterns, providing effective control across multiple applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 cable restraint effectively prevents excessive cable spreading and damage by flexing with the cables, providing secure containment and protection during short circuit events without requiring additional structural attachments.

Implementation Method 1

The outer belt of the closed cable restraint flexes and moves with the cables during the short circuit event thereby limiting lateral movement of the cables

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4683143A1Cable restraint for flexible power cables

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 PANDUIT CORP

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AI summary

A cable restraint secures flexible cables during a short circuit event. The cable restraint includes an outer belt and an inner liner. The outer belt has a first end and a second end. Flanges extend from the first end and the second end of the outer belt in a staggered pattern to form an intermeshing coupler when the cable restraint is in a closed position. The outer belt flexes and moves with the cables during the short circuit event thereby limiting lateral movement of the flexible cables.