Lockable Clamp for Tubes and Cables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamps are inadequate for securing both liquid carrying tubes and ribbon electrical cables, especially in applications with substantial movement, leading to inaccurate fluid handling due to 'peristaltic-type' pumping actions and requiring multiple clamps with complex assembly and release mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A single lockable clamp design that simultaneously secures multiple fluid tubes and a flat ribbon electrical cable to a surface, featuring compressible tube grooves and a locking mechanism for easy assembly and secure attachment, reducing the number of clamps needed and associated costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional separate clamps are used for tubes and cables, then each component can be secured individually, but the number of clamps and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to secure both tubes and cablesVSAvoidnumber of clamps required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate tube clamp and cable clamp functions into a single integrated clamp device. The clamp body includes both a tube securing portion with grooves and a cable securing portion with channels, allowing both tubes and flat ribbon cables to be secured simultaneously by one clamp, thereby reducing the total number of clamps needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp is designed with multi-functional capabilities to secure different types of components (round tubes and flat ribbon cables) using the same device. The universal design allows the clamp to adapt to various configurations without requiring specialized clamps for each component type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If tubes are not precisely positioned in curved guides, then assembly is easier, but false pumping action occurs affecting liquid handling accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of tube assemblyVSAvoidtube positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is pre-formed with integrated grooves and channels during manufacturing that automatically guide tubes and cables into their correct positions. This preliminary positioning structure eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during assembly while ensuring precise tube placement to prevent false pumping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The grooves and channels act as intermediary guiding structures between the clamp body and the tubes/cables. These intermediary features facilitate easy insertion while maintaining precise positioning, serving as a mediator that reconciles the conflict between ease of assembly and positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If latches are used for cable retention in stationary applications, then assembly is simple, but they become inadequate under substantial sustained movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidcable retention under movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp incorporates a resilient biasing mechanism that provides dynamic retention force. The resilient portion continuously applies clamping force to the cable, adapting to movement and vibration conditions that would cause static latches to fail, while maintaining simple assembly through the integrated design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7228048B1Liquid tube and electrical cable clamp with locking features

Publication Date: 2007.06.05 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC

AI summary

An improved mounting clamp adapted to simultaneously secure flat ribbon cables and a number of fluid tubes to a surface and having a locking feature to facilitate assembly and release.