Multicable Lockout Cleat Layout for Independent Cable Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable lockout devices often require long cable runs and complex installations due to the use of a single cable, leading to messy and inefficient setups.
Innovation Solution
A multicable lockout device utilizing multiple cables with cable gripping structures and a shared stationary cleat, along with rotatable cleats, to securely form independent cable loops with fewer cleats, simplifying the construction and installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single cable is used in conventional cable lockout devices, then the cable can be routed through various elements, but this results in long cable runs and potentially messy installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single cable system into multiple separate cables, each forming its own independent loop. This segmentation allows each cable to be individually routed and secured, eliminating the need for long, complex single cable runs and reducing installation messiness while maintaining lockout functionality.
2Reliability
If multiple cables are secured with individual biased cleats, then each cable can be independently secured, but this requires a total of four biased cleats for two cables, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple biased cleats into a single stationary cleat that serves as a common anchor point for multiple cables. By combining the securement function, the device achieves reliable independent cable fixation while reducing the total number of cleats from four to three, simplifying the overall construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary cleat is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as the fixed anchor point for multiple different cable loops. This multi-functional design allows a single cleat structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple individual biased cleats, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 multicable lockout device allows for the securement of multiple cables with a reduced number of cleats, resulting in a more efficient and organized installation, while maintaining independent loop control for enhanced utility.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the rotatable cleats has a tip biased towards the stationary cleat to facilitate one-way gripping action of a corresponding cable
Data Source
AI summary
A multicable lockout device comprises a housing including at least two cable end securement points, a stationary cleat fixed relative to the housing, and at least two rotatable cleats attached to the housing. Each of the rotatable cleats is positioned adjacent to the stationary cleat with a respective cable-receiving pathway being defined between the shared stationary cleat and each of the respective rotatable cleats. The respective rotatable cleats each have a tip biased towards the shared stationary cleat to facilitate one-way gripping action of a cable along the respective cable-receiving pathway. This structure permits two cable loops to be independently formed utilizing only three cleats for gripping the cables.