Multi-Surface Cable Tie With V-Shaped Channel And Triangular Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable tie devices with single rows of teeth in square or rectangular arrangements are prone to failure under substantial pulling or vibratory forces, which poses a risk in critical applications such as securing fuel injector lines and hoses in aircraft engines.
Innovation Solution
A cable tie device featuring a head member with a V-shaped channel and a triangular toothed strap that engages in a ratchet mechanism with angled surfaces, providing enhanced grip strength and secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single row of teeth in square or rectangular arrangement is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the locking strength is insufficient under substantial pulling or vibratory forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-row teeth arrangement to a multi-surface configuration with teeth arranged on multiple planes (first surface, second surface, and third surface). This dimensional change allows the ratchet mechanism to engage teeth from multiple directions, significantly enhancing locking strength while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through systematic geometric arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric tooth arrangements on different surfaces with specific angular orientations (e.g., first angled surface, second angled surface, third angled surface at different angles). This asymmetry optimizes the engagement geometry for multi-directional force resistance, allowing each surface to contribute differently to the overall locking strength based on the expected load directions.
2Reliability
If multiple surfaces with ratchet teeth are used, then the grip strength is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ratchet mechanism into multiple independent tooth rows on different surfaces (first row on first surface, second row on second surface, third row on third surface). Each row can engage independently, providing redundant locking paths. This segmentation enhances reliability because failure of one row does not compromise the entire fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple tooth rows on different surfaces into a single integrated ratchet head structure. The head member incorporates all surfaces and tooth rows, allowing simultaneous engagement of multiple tooth rows with a single strap. This merging achieves enhanced reliability while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate components.
3Strength
If a triangular toothed portion with angled walls is used, then the ratchet engagement is more secure, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different geometric characteristics to different parts of the toothed portion. The triangular cross-section provides optimal engagement geometry, while the angled surfaces (first angled surface, second angled surface) are designed with specific local orientations to match corresponding surfaces in the ratchet mechanism. This local optimization of geometry enhances engagement strength without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing across the entire component.
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 multi-surface cable tie device effectively secures cables, wires, and hoses against abnormal forces and vibrations, offering a more reliable fastening mechanism compared to previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
Cable ties generally provide a ratcheting system in which a flexible strap having teeth is inserted through a head or button member in a one-way only procedure. Like a winch, the cable tie fastener may be tightened by pulling the strap tighter.
Implementation Method 2
The typical cable tie includes a single row of teeth in a square or rectangular arrangement such that, even when tightened, are subject to failure if enough force or vibration is applied.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-surface cable tie device includes a head member having an outer end and an opposed inner end, the head member defining an aperture having rectangular configuration and a channel defining a generally V-shaped configuration in communication with the aperture. The cable tie device includes an elongate tying strap that includes a base strip having a planar configuration that includes a proximal end adjacent the inner end of the head member and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the base strip having an elongate toothed portion mounted to an inside surface of the base strip. The toothed portion includes a generally triangular cross-section and having a plurality of teeth extending away from the base strip. The aperture is configured to selectively receive the base strip and the channel is configured to receive the toothed portion of the tying strap.