Flexible Cable Tie With Guiding Ribs For Stable Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-locking cable ties with flexible materials face issues with stability and bending resistance, particularly when used on small diameters, as they lack guiding ribs or edges, leading to tail instability and inadequate locking pressure, causing the tail to slip back through the head opening.
Innovation Solution
A highly flexible self-locking tie design featuring a head with a flexible locking tooth and a tail with saw-tooth projections, where the tail is inserted with one end connected to the head and the opposite end rounded for easy insertion, and the saw-tooth projections prevent extraction, ensuring stable locking without raised edges or ribs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tail is made without raised edges or ribs to increase flexibility, then the tail can bend more easily around narrow items, but the tail becomes unstable and can move or rotate laterally when inserted in the head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding guiding ribs only at specific locations where they are most effective - at the leading end and along portions of the sides of the tail - while leaving other portions smooth to maintain flexibility. This localized application of structural features provides stability exactly where needed during insertion and positioning, without compromising the overall flexibility required for wrapping around narrow items.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tail is made without raised edges or ribs to increase flexibility, then the tail can bend more easily around narrow items, but the locking pawl does not exert adequate pressure on the saw-tooth gear rack
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding ribs are strategically positioned to provide structural support at critical locations - the leading end rib provides initial guidance and positioning, while the side ribs maintain tail alignment and prevent lateral movement. This localized reinforcement ensures the locking pawl maintains adequate contact pressure on the saw-tooth gear rack at the engagement point, without requiring continuous ribbing along the entire tail length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional element by adding ribs that extend protrudingly from the tail surface, creating a third dimension of structural support. These ribs provide mechanical guidance and stabilization in the lateral dimension, ensuring proper alignment and pressure distribution during the locking engagement between the pawl and gear rack.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tail is made without raised edges or ribs to increase flexibility, then the tail can bend more easily around narrow items, but the tail may rotate or move laterally and slip back through the opening of the head
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding ribs are strategically positioned to provide structural support at critical locations - the leading end rib provides initial guidance and positioning, while the side ribs maintain tail alignment and prevent lateral movement. This localized reinforcement ensures the locking pawl maintains adequate contact pressure on the saw-tooth gear rack at the engagement point, without requiring continuous ribbing along the entire tail length.
Solution Approach 2:
The leading end guiding rib performs a preliminary action by guiding the tail as it enters the head opening, ensuring proper alignment before the locking engagement occurs. This preliminary guidance prevents misalignment and ensures the tail is correctly positioned for reliable locking, addressing potential stability issues before they arise during the fastening process.
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 new tie design enhances bending resistance and prevents tail slippage by maintaining stable engagement between the flexible tooth and saw-tooth gear rack, ensuring secure fastening even on narrow items.
Implementation Method 1
self-locking cable clamps or ties comprising a head made up of a ratchet contained in a slotted case
Implementation Method 2
the opposite end rounded and radiused so as to facilitate its insertion into the opening of the head
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention is a highly flexible cable tie, comprising a head portion (T) and a tail portion (C), said tail portion (C) having one end (C1) joined to said head portion (T), said head portion (T) being provided with an opening (T1) for the passage of said tail portion (C) and with an elastic locking tooth (T2), said tail portion (C) being linear in shape, with generically rectangular cross section, and having on one longer side saw-tooth projections (C3) suited to be engaged with said flexible locking tooth (T2) of said head portion (T) and to prevent said tail portion (C) from sliding out of the opening (T1) of said head portion (T), said clamp having at least one projection (T3) on the wall (T1a) to which the flexible locking tooth (T2) is joined, said projection (T3) being suited to limit the bending of said flexible locking tooth (T2) towards the wall (T1a) to which said elastic tooth (T2) is joined. Said tail portion (C) does not have ribs, projections, raised lateral edges beside the saw-tooth projections (C3).