Concentric Line Clamp Cushion for Shear and Abrasion Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing line clamps, particularly those used in aerospace applications, suffer from premature failure due to mechanical shear stress, chemical degradation, and UV/ozone exposure, leading to potential line abrasion and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A line clamp design featuring a geometrically engineered core and cushion combination, utilizing materials resistant to UV, ozone, and chemicals, with raised structures for secure engagement, forming a concentric shape to reduce shear stress and enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a nitrile elastomer is used for the line clamp cushion, then the cushion provides basic sealing and compression, but it fails to resist chemical degradation, UV exposure, and ozone over prolonged periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical and environmental resistanceVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining a metal clamp body with a elastomeric cushion component made from materials specifically selected for their resistance to chemicals, UV radiation, and ozone. This composite structure allows the cushion to provide both sealing/compression functions and enhanced environmental durability, resolving the contradiction between basic functionality and long-term reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If the line clamp cushion forms an ovular shape around cylindrical lines, then the clamp can be manufactured with simple geometry, but it creates mechanical shear stress and abrasion at the cushion/line interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometric simplicityVSAvoidmechanical shear stress and abrasion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spheroidality by designing the cushion component with a circular cross-section that conforms to the cylindrical line geometry. This curved configuration distributes the clamping force uniformly around the line, eliminating concentrated shear stress and abrasion points while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The circular shape ensures even contact pressure without creating stress concentration zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If the line clamp cushion is made from traditional materials, then production costs remain low, but the cushion suffers rapid strain-related damage and failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial costVSAvoidresistance to strain-related failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting elastomeric materials with specific properties optimized for resistance to strain, chemicals, UV, and ozone. The cushion material is chosen for its elastomeric characteristics including flexibility, tensile strength, and environmental resistance, balancing cost-effectiveness with enhanced durability and failure resistance under operational stresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12560187B2Line clamp

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 HY TEK MFG COMPANY

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to line clamps designed to be utilized in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, aerospace applications, vehicle applications, marine applications, etc. In one embodiment, the line clamp of the present invention satisfies the performance requirements as specified in MIL-DTL-85052/1C and MIL-DTL-85052B. In another embodiment, the line clamp of the present invention is comprised of a line clamp core component and a line clamp cushion component that together form a line clamp with improved longevity and fitment.