Hinged Cable Clip With Torsion Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable management solutions, such as twist ties, zip ties, and cable retractors, are cumbersome and often unsuitable for cables with irregular shapes or enlarged portions, failing to provide optimal user experience and broad applicability.
Innovation Solution
A clip-type device with hingedly connected primary jaws and a secondary jaw, featuring a torsion spring mechanism that accommodates cables of various sizes, allows for easy attachment and detachment, and includes a lever pin for adjustable placement, ensuring secure retention without adding bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cable retractors are used to coil and uncoil cables, then user interaction is improved, but the device adds significant weight and volume to the cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring-loaded core mechanism from cable retractors, extracting only the essential cable management function. This eliminates the mechanical components that caused weight and volume issues while preserving the ability to organize cables through a simpler clip-based design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical spring-loaded coiling system with a simpler friction-based holding mechanism. The cable is held in place through friction between the cable surface and the clip jaws, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical components while maintaining ease of operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable retractors with spring-loaded cores are used, then cables can be coiled and uncoiled, but they require the cable to be continuously smooth, making them unsuitable for headsets with enlarged portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different local qualities to different parts of the cable management system. The clip jaws have a specifically designed friction surface that adapts to local variations in cable diameter and surface texture, allowing the same mechanism to handle both smooth cables and cables with enlarged portions like headsets
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustment capability where the clip jaws can be opened and closed to accommodate cables of varying diameters. The friction-based holding mechanism dynamically adapts to different cable profiles, making the device versatile for various cable types including headsets with microphones and cable-split reinforcements
3Adaptability or versatility
If twist ties, zip ties, or hook-and-loop straps are used to organize cables, then cables can be managed, but the operations become frequent and repetitive and are unpleasant and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-service cable management system where the friction-based holding mechanism automatically secures the cable when the clip is closed, without requiring tying, wrapping, or complex manipulation. The user simply opens the clip, places the cable, and closes it - the friction mechanism does the rest, eliminating repetitive and unpleasant operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the cable management function into distinct operational phases: opening the clip, inserting the cable, and closing the clip. This segmentation simplifies the overall operation into three easy steps, contrasting with the complex, repetitive actions required by twist ties and zip ties
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 device provides efficient and aesthetically pleasing cable management, accommodating cables of different diameters, allowing for easy adjustments and secure retention without damaging the cables, while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a torsion spring mechanism that accommodates cables of various sizes
Data Source
AI summary
Clip-type cable management apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first jaw and a second jaw having interleaved tines in a predetermined configuration are coupled by a hinge pin around which a torsion spring is disposed to urge said first jaw and said second jaw pivotally toward a close position so as to securely retain a cable being folded or coiled into a bundle of cable segments. Such cable management is further enhanced with additional features, optimized structures, and operating methods.