Leaf Spring Fastening Element for Quick Cable Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening elements for cables or lines are not designed for quick and easy assembly and disassembly, making it difficult to fix and reassign the position of cables in cable harnesses, especially when plugs are removed.

Innovation Solution

A fastening element with a receptacle featuring a support area, a holding element, and a locking element designed like a leaf spring, along with a release device that includes a release projection for easy release, allowing for quick detachment and reassignment of cables, and adjustable latching elements for secure fixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional fastening elements are used, then cables can be fixed in position, but assembly and disassembly are time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidtime for assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed as a spring-loaded mechanism that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. The spring force automatically engages the locking element with the holding element upon insertion, and the release device allows quick disengagement by overcoming the spring force, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element automatically engages with the holding element through spring force when the cable is inserted, without requiring manual intervention for locking. The system self-locks upon insertion, eliminating the need for separate locking operations and reducing assembly time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If secure locking is provided, then cable position is reliably fixed, but release mechanism becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of cable fixationVSAvoidcomplexity of release mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The release device acts as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the release operation. Instead of directly manipulating the spring-loaded locking element, the release device translates a simple user action (pressing the release projection) into the necessary force to overcome spring force and disengage the locking element, maintaining reliability while reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking element for secure engagement, the holding element for cable retention, and the release device for easy disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the release device being a simple addition that doesn't complicate the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If quick release is enabled, then disassembly is fast, but locking reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of disassemblyVSAvoidreliability of locking
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded locking element provides strong automatic engagement for reliable locking during normal operation. The same spring mechanism, when acted upon by the release device, enables quick disengagement. The dynamic nature of the spring force allows the system to provide both strong locking and quick release capabilities without compromising either function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables rapid assembly and disassembly of cables, ensuring accurate positioning and easy reassignment of plugs to slots, while providing reliable fixation and easy release mechanisms, suitable for applications like automotive and electronics.

Implementation Method 1

The locking element (18) is designed like a leaf spring and can interact with the holding element (16) in such a way that it is fixed in a position holding the cable or line (24)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The release device enables the locking element to be easily released from the retaining element, so that the retaining element can be released easily and quickly. The locking element is designed like a leaf spring so that it can be easily released by deforming or pivoting the locking element.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2833497B1Fastening element
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 MURR ELEKTRONIK GMBH
  • EP2833497B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2833497B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2833497B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A fastening element (10) for at least one cable or conductor has at least one receptacle (12) for the cable or conductor, which has a support area (22), a retaining element (16) and a locking element (18), wherein the locking element (18) is designed in a leaf spring manner and can interact with the retaining element (16) in such a way that the latter is fixed in a position holding the cable or conductor such that the support area (22) and the retaining element (16) form a substantially cylindrical receiving space (24), wherein a release device (36) interacting with the locking element (18) is provided, by means of which the locking element (18) can be released from the retaining element (16) so that the latter is freed.