Modular Cable Retainer Assembly With Flexible Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for retaining elongate wire cables are inadequate in providing a secure and damage-minimizing mechanism, as they often cause damage during insertion and removal due to sharp edges and lack flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular retainer assembly comprising two interchangeable retainer modules with flexible retaining fingers and a releasable fastening system, such as socket head screws and hex nuts, forms a channel to securely hold the cable while minimizing damage with rounded corners and edges, and can be made from polymeric materials like glass-filled polyamide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid retaining structures with sharp edges are used, then structural strength is improved, but damage to the wire cable during insertion and removal occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible retaining fingers made from polymeric materials that can elastically deform during insertion and removal of wire cables. These flexible fingers conform to the cable surface without sharp edges, eliminating damage while maintaining retaining force through material elasticity rather than rigid geometric constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining fingers are designed with curved, rounded surfaces instead of sharp edges or corners. This curvature allows smooth contact with the wire cable during insertion and removal operations, distributing stress evenly and preventing concentrated loads that would cause damage, while still providing effective retention through the curved geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular design with multiple components is used, then adaptability and ease of repair are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining assembly is divided into discrete modular components including individual retaining fingers, mounting brackets, and fastening elements. Each component can be independently manufactured, inspected, and replaced. The standardized interfaces between modules enable flexible configuration for different wire cable types and locations while simplifying maintenance through component-level replacement rather than complete assembly replacement.
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 modular retainer assembly effectively secures elongate wire cables without causing damage, allowing for easy insertion and removal while maintaining structural integrity and flexibility, suitable for use in wire transport pallets during manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second retaining fingers 14a, 14b are flexible and configured to receive and releasably retain an elongate wire cable
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular retainer assembly (10) is presented herein. The modular retainer assembly (10), includes a first retainer module (12a) defining a flexible first retaining finger (14a) and a second retainer module (12b) that is distinct from and joined to the first retaining module (12a). The second retainer module (12b) defines a flexible second retaining finger (14b). When the first and second retainer modules (12a, 12b) are mated together, the first retaining finger (14a) is arranged opposite the second retaining finger (14b). The first and second retaining fingers (14a, 14b) are configured to receive and retain an elongate article (20), such as a wire cable, between them.