Modular Cable End Fastening With Undercut Clamps for Cleanrooms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable management devices for cleanroom applications face challenges in complex handling during assembly and disassembly, particularly when dealing with multiple layers of sheathing and varying pipe diameters, leading to increased abrasion and particle shedding.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates clamping plates with undercut profiles and modular strain relief elements that engage positively with the clamping plates, allowing for easier handling and adaptation to different pipe diameters, while minimizing abrasion through improved force transmission and edge protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional end fittings with continuous elongated holes are used to hold strain relief elements, then the device can be manufactured with simple structures, but the handling during assembly and disassembly becomes complex especially when dealing with multiple layers of sheathing and varying pipe diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The holding area is segmented into multiple discrete locations rather than a continuous elongated hole. Each strain relief element has its own dedicated holding location with undercut profile, allowing individual engagement and disengagement without affecting other elements, thus simplifying assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The holding area transitions from a two-dimensional continuous hole to a three-dimensional undercut profile structure. The undercut creates a geometric interlock that provides automatic retention during assembly while allowing controlled removal, resolving the contradiction between simple manufacturing and ease of operation
2Ease of manufacture
If clamping plates with simple holding areas are used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the device lacks adaptability to different pipe diameters and cable configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping plate design with discrete holding areas featuring undercut profiles serves multiple functions: it provides secure retention for strain relief elements of various sizes, accommodates different pipe diameters through the geometric flexibility of the undercut structure, and maintains manufacturing simplicity. This universal design resolves the contradiction between manufacturing ease and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The holding area parameters are optimized by introducing undercut profiles that can accommodate varying dimensions of strain relief elements and pipes. The geometric parameters of the undercut (depth, angle, width) can be adjusted to match different application requirements while maintaining the same basic structural approach, thus achieving adaptability without complicating manufacturing
3Ease of operation
If strain relief elements are loosely held in continuous elongated holes, then assembly is easier, but abrasion increases and particle shedding occurs during cable movement
Solution Approach 1:
The undercut profile in the holding area performs preliminary retention action by geometrically interlocking with the strain relief element before any cable movement occurs. This pre-established secure connection prevents loose fitting during operation, thereby eliminating abrasion and particle shedding while maintaining assembly ease through the self-retaining geometric design
Solution Approach 2:
The undercut holding area provides a durable, long-lasting retention solution that eliminates the need for frequent replacement due to wear. The geometric interlock creates a wear-free connection that maintains its retention capability throughout the service life, contradicting the notion of short-living components while actually extending component life by preventing abrasion
Data Source
Figure 1A~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 2C~5B
AI summary
The invention relates to a conductor guiding apparatus (1) comprising a movable, flexible cover (2) with channel-like recesses (7) for conductors (8) and end fastening apparatuses (20), each comprising two clamping plates (210) with main faces (22) for exerting a clamping force and each having a retaining region (211) for tension relief elements. The retaining region prevents the tension relief elements on the clamping plate from shifting in the longitudinal direction and, according to the invention, forms a profile cross-section (220) having an undercut (221). The tension relief elements (23A; 23G) each have at least one connection region (230) which corresponds with the profile cross-section (220) of the retaining region for interlocking engagement in order to also retain the tension relief element (23A; 23G) in the direction perpendicular to the main face (22) on the clamping plate (210). The invention further relates to a variant of the end fastening apparatus comprising two plate connectors (240A; 240B) for holding the clamping plates (210) together in each case on a lateral end region (214), each having two opposite clamp regions (242) for interlocking interaction with an end region (214).