Flexible Saddle Mount for Vibration-Stable Bundle Securing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cable-tie mounting assemblies create gaps between the bundle and the mount, leading to lateral shifting and rotation of secured objects under vibration, which causes chafing and damage to the bundle surface, especially in extreme vibration applications.

Innovation Solution

A saddle mount with distal flexible tabs that adjust to conform to the bundle diameter, reducing or eliminating gaps by flexing under tension, providing side support and preventing migration, and incorporating a flexible friction tab to resist cable tie movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cable-tie mounting assemblies are used to secure bundles, then the bundle can be mounted to the supporting structure, but gaps are created between the bundle and the mount that allow lateral shifting and rotation under vibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebundle securityVSAvoidbundle position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle through the flexible tabs that conform to the bundle contour. The tabs are designed to be flexible enough to adapt to the bundle's shape while providing lateral support, eliminating gaps that cause instability during vibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the mounting structure by making portions of it flexible rather than rigid. The flexible tabs can deform to match the bundle diameter, creating a stable fit that prevents lateral movement while maintaining secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the saddle mount uses rigid support rails, then structural strength is maintained, but the mount cannot adapt to different bundle diameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemount structural strengthVSAvoidbundle diameter adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the saddle mount into rigid support rails for structural strength and separate flexible tabs for adaptation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function - the rails provide strength while the tabs provide diameter adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic elements (flexible tabs) that can change shape and position in response to different bundle diameters, while the rigid support rails maintain structural integrity. This combination of static and dynamic elements resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the distal flexible tabs are made thicker for strength, then structural integrity improves, but the ability to flex and conform to bundle diameter decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetab structural integrityVSAvoidtab flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different quality characteristics to different portions of the flexible tabs. The proximal portions near the support rails are thicker for strength, while the distal portions that contact the bundle are thinner for flexibility. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall strength and localized flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 saddle mount significantly reduces or eliminates gaps between the bundle and the mount, preventing chafing and damage by securely holding the bundle in place, even under significant vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second distal flexible tabs, which laterally extend from opposing lengthwise sides of the bridge section, are aligned with the support rails, and have a thickness tapered from a proximal end connected to the bridge section to a distal end. In addition, the first and second distal flexible tabs are configured to flex to conform to the diameter of the bundle based on an upward force applied by the cable tie

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

have a thickness tapered from a proximal end connected to the bridge section to a distal end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3945233B1Saddle mount that adjusts to a bundle diameter

Publication Date: 2023.10.18 HELLERMANNTYTON CORP

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AI summary

This document describes a saddle that adjusts to a bundle diameter. In some aspects, the saddle is a component of a cable-tie mounting assembly and forms a curved or planar mounting surface, which is flexible to support a bundle. The saddle includes an aperture for receiving a cable tie. The saddle also includes two laterally-extending distal flexible tabs that are flexible to conform to a bundle diameter based on a force applied by the cable tie disposed within the aperture and tensioned around the bundle to secure the bundle to the mounting surface of the saddle. The flexibility of the saddle surface to adjust into mating contact with the bundle (i) significantly reduces gaps created between the bundle, the cable tie, and the distal flexible tabs and (ii) provides side support, preventing rotation and lateral movement of the secured bundle and reducing the likelihood of damage to the bundle.