Locking Conduit Clamp for Tractor-Trailer Cable Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current conduit management systems for tractor-trailer vehicles are ineffective in securely managing flexible electrical cables and air hoses, which can be compromised by the vehicle's moving parts, necessitating a more reliable and durable solution.
Innovation Solution
A locking conduit clamp system comprising a first and second clamping member with a hinge, a latch, and a gripping member, allowing for secure suspension and alignment of conduits without the need for a spiral wrap, capable of accommodating conduits of varying sizes and providing easy locking and unlocking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conduit management systems are used, then conduits can be suspended from the tractor, but they are not securely managed and can be compromised by moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit clamp is divided into separate clamping members that can independently engage and secure conduits, allowing each component to perform a specific function while contributing to overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential securing function from complex management systems and implements it through a dedicated conduit clamp device that can be easily attached to harnesses, providing secure conduit management without requiring elaborate systems
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure conduits, then conduit security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit clamp incorporates a self-latching mechanism that automatically secures conduits when the clamping members are closed, eliminating the need for separate locking operations or complex locking systems while maintaining high security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the clamping action itself, where the closing motion of the clamping members directly engages the latching mechanism, combining two functions into one integrated operation that reduces overall device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conduit clamp accommodates conduits of different sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping members are designed with flexible or adjustable elements that can dynamically adapt to different conduit diameters, allowing the same clamp to securely hold various conduit sizes without requiring multiple precision-matched components for each size
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit clamp is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple conduit sizes through features such as adjustable clamping members or elastic elements, enabling one device to perform multiple size-accommodation functions without sacrificing manufacturing feasibility
Data Source
AI summary
A locking conduit clamp includes a first clamping member having an upwardly-bowed body defining a downward upper pocket and having a hinge at a first lateral end of the upwardly-bowed body, a second clamping member having a downwardly-bowed body defining an upward lower pocket and being hingedly coupled to the first clamp member via the hinge at a first lateral end of the downwardly-bowed body, the second clamping member being configured to rotate about the hinge between an open position for receiving a conduit, and a closed position for surrounding and capturing the conduit in an opening defined by the upper and bottom pockets, and a latch including an arcuate lever hingedly coupled to the second clamping member, and a buckle hingedly coupled to the arcuate lever and configured to engage the first clamping member to lock the first and second clamping members in a locked position.