Hook Cable Fastener with Stop for Secure Multi-Cable Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening methods for securing cables to surfaces, such as staples and plastic clips, are cumbersome, prone to damaging cables, and often fail to securely hold multiple cables, posing risks of electrical failure and damage.

Innovation Solution

A cable support with inwardly-facing hook structures and a central shaft that includes a stop to secure the cable between the hook and the surface, minimizing damage and allowing easy installation and secure fastening of multiple cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If staples are driven into the surface to secure the cable, then the cable is fastened to the surface, but the cable may be damaged by staple prongs contacting it or by compression between the staple and surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable integrityVSAvoidcable damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the hook-shaped fastener body) between the cable and the surface. The cable rests on the curved upper surface of the fastener body rather than being directly contacted by penetrating elements, eliminating the harmful effect of staple prongs contacting and damaging the cable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of driving elements through the cable as with staples, the patent inverts the approach by having the cable rest on top of the fastener body, which is then driven into the surface. This reversal of the fastening mechanism eliminates direct contact between driving elements and the cable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If plastic clips with outwardly-facing hook structures are used to secure the cable, then cable damage is reduced, but the cable may be pulled from the hook structure and become unfastened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable damageVSAvoidfastening security

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the hook orientation from outwardly-facing to inwardly-facing. The hook structures curve inward toward the fastener body, creating a configuration where the cable rests in a recessed area and is retained by the inward curvature, preventing the cable from being pulled away while maintaining protection from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If individual staples are driven along the cable length to secure multiple cables, then each cable can be fastened, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable fasteningVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a single fastener body with multiple hook structures that can simultaneously secure multiple cables. This multi-functional design allows one fastener to perform the work of multiple individual fasteners, significantly improving installation efficiency while maintaining secure fastening of each cable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple cable-fastening functions into a single integrated fastener body. Multiple hook structures are merged into one unit that is installed as a single element, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate staple or clip installations into one operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If plastic clips are used to secure cables, then cable damage is minimized, but the clips are difficult and cumbersome to install along the surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable damageVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener body is designed to be self-installing by being driven directly into the surface like a staple, eliminating the need for separate mounting steps required by plastic clips. The cable is simply placed on top during installation, and the fastener secures itself, making the process straightforward and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9322493B2Cable fastener with hook structure for supporting a cable

Publication Date: 2016.04.26 WOLFF MARK R

AI summary

A cable support for securing at least one cable along a surface is disclosed. The cable support comprises a central shaft portion having a forward end configured to be secured to the surface and a rearward end configured to extend from the surface. A stop is disposed along the central shaft, the stop being sized and shaped to contact the surface and limit advancement of the forward end into the surface. At least one hook structure extends from the central shaft portion rearward end and curves toward the central shaft portion forward end. The hook structure terminates sufficiently rearward of the stop that at least one cable may be received between the hook structure and the surface when the stop contacts the surface.