Linear-Locking Cable Tie for Compact Fastening Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable ties are bulky, causing damage to adjacent substrates and risking snagging on structures, and their operation can be complex, making them difficult to use effectively in compact spaces.
Innovation Solution
A cable tie design featuring a belt with a head that has a through-opening and a blocking member displaceable in the belt direction, allowing for a compact and easy-to-use configuration with a top opening for accessing the blocking member, which reduces the risk of damage and snagging by distributing radial force evenly and simplifying the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional cable ties use rotational movement for locking, then locking force can be achieved, but the cable tie becomes bulky and causes damage to adjacent substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is made displaceable in a linear direction parallel to the belt insertion direction, transforming the conventional rotational locking mechanism into a linear displacement mechanism. This dynamic linear movement allows the blocking member to engage with the belt in a compact manner, reducing the overall volume of the cable tie head while maintaining effective locking capability through friction and positive fit elements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the movement parameter from rotational to linear displacement. The blocking member translates along a stroke parallel to the belt direction, which fundamentally alters the spatial requirements of the locking mechanism. This parameter change enables a compact head design with reduced volume while achieving the same locking function through linear engagement rather than rotational engagement
2Strength
If conventional cable ties have perpendicular tail insertion, then locking can be achieved, but radial force is unevenly distributed causing damage to substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces asymmetry in the force distribution by aligning the blocking member's displacement direction with the belt insertion direction. This asymmetric linear engagement creates a more uniform radial force distribution around the belt, preventing concentrated stress points that would otherwise damage adjacent substrates. The linear blocking mechanism distributes load more evenly compared to the concentrated rotational force of conventional designs
3Ease of operation
If cable tie operation is simplified, then ease of use improves, but locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed to be automatically displaced and engaged during the natural belt insertion process. As the belt is inserted linearly, the blocking member is pushed forward by the belt itself and automatically engages with the positive fit elements on the belt. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate manual locking operations, maintaining high reliability through automatic engagement while significantly improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is pre-positioned within the head such that its displacement path is aligned with the belt insertion direction. This preliminary positioning ensures that as soon as the belt is inserted, the blocking member is immediately pushed into its locked position by the belt's forward motion. The preliminary arrangement of components ensures reliable locking occurs automatically during the simple act of belt insertion, without requiring additional操作步骤
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 design results in a more compact cable tie that minimizes damage to substrates, reduces snagging risks, and simplifies operation, while maintaining high locking force through friction or positive fit elements, allowing for secure and efficient use in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the locking by the engagement member can be due to friction between the engagement member and the belt
Implementation Method 2
The engagement member can comprise or be configured as positive fit elements, in particular teeth. Similar positive fit elements, in particular teeth can be located on the belt
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to provide a cable tie that uses less space than the known cable ties, the application provides a cable tie (1) comprising a belt (2), a head (3) that is connected to the belt (2) and that has a through-opening (4) for receiving the belt (2), and a blocking member (5) that is disposed in the head (3) displaceable in a plane (44) of the through-opening (4) along a stroke (6) and that has at least one engagement member (7) configured to lock the belt (2).