Multi-Surface Cable Tie with V-Shaped Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable tie devices with single rows of teeth 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 multi-surface cable tie device featuring a head member with a V-shaped channel and a triangular toothed strap with angled ratchet teeth, providing enhanced grip strength and secure engagement, along with a pair of laterally spaced cable tie devices connected by a bridge member for increased stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single row of teeth in a square or rectangular arrangement is used, then the cable tie device is simple to manufacture, but it is prone to failure under substantial pulling or vibratory forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-row tooth arrangement to a multi-surface configuration with teeth arranged on multiple surfaces (first surface, second surface, third surface) of the head member. This dimensional change creates a three-dimensional ratchet engagement system where the toothed portion engages with teeth on multiple surfaces simultaneously, distributing loads across multiple contact points and significantly improving resistance to pulling and vibratory forces while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structural system by combining multiple tooth surfaces and a toothed portion with triangular cross-section into an integrated ratchet mechanism. The head member incorporates teeth on multiple surfaces that work together with the toothed portion to form a composite engagement system, where the combined action of multiple tooth surfaces provides enhanced reliability compared to a single row of teeth.
2Strength
If multiple and angled surfaces with ratchet teeth are used, then the grip strength is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tooth surfaces (first surface, second surface, third surface) with the head member into an integrated structure. The toothed portion with triangular cross-section is designed to engage simultaneously with teeth on multiple surfaces, combining the functional elements into a unified ratchet mechanism that achieves enhanced grip strength without requiring separate components for each tooth surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the toothed portion to a triangular cross-section and arranges teeth on multiple surfaces at specific angles. This parameter change optimizes the engagement geometry to distribute forces across multiple contact points, enhancing grip strength while the overall structure remains suitable for standard manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If a pair of cable tie devices are laterally spaced apart and connected, then the resistance to failure increases, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable tying function into two separate but connected devices. Each device has its own head member with multi-surface teeth and toothed portion, providing redundant securing points. The lateral spacing between the two devices creates independent engagement zones that work together to enhance overall reliability and resistance to failure under load.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-surface cable tie apparatus includes a first cable tie device coupled to a spaced apart second cable tie device via a bridge member, each cable tie device having a head member having opposed inner and outer ends, the head member defining an aperture and a channel defining a generally V-shaped configuration in communication with the aperture. Each cable tie device includes a tying strap that includes a planar base strip having 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. The toothed portion includes a generally triangular cross-section with 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.