Non-Conductive Fastener for Electrical Cable Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners for attaching electrical cables to support structures pose risks of electrical current leakage and exposure due to conductive materials, and the manual hammering process is time-consuming and prone to damaging the cables.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system comprising a U-shaped receptacle made of electrically non-conductive materials, such as glass-reinforced nylon, with nails that are also non-conductive, designed for use with a driving mechanism to securely attach cables to a support structure without risking electrical exposure, featuring a bore for the nail to form an interference fit and a bulbous head for increased force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional metallic fasteners are used to attach electrical cables, then the fastening process is simple and effective, but the insulating sheath of the cable may be penetrated or sliced open, exposing live wires and creating electrical hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful metallic component from the fastener system entirely. The body portion is made entirely of electrically non-conductive materials (glass-reinforced nylon), extracting the electrical conductivity hazard while retaining the fastening function through the integrated non-conductive nail mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses glass-reinforced nylon, a composite material that combines the electrical non-conductivity of nylon with the structural strength and rigidity provided by glass reinforcement. This composite enables the fastener to both insulate electricity and provide mechanical fastening capability
2Ease of manufacture
If manual hammering is used to drive nails into the support structure, then the fastening can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and may damage the cable due to over-hammering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening body and the fastening nail into a single integrated unit. The nail is partially contained within the body portion and protrudes for engagement with the support structure, combining two previously separate components (metallic staple and separate nail) into one unified non-conductive fastener that reduces installation steps and time
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated nail design allows the fastener to self-position and self-fasten when driven into the support structure. The nail protrudes from the body at the correct angle and depth to engage the wood, eliminating the need for separate positioning and fastening operations
3Ease of operation
If manual hammering without torque control is used, then the nail can be driven in, but there is a risk of over-hammering and damaging the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the nail from conductive metal to non-conductive glass-reinforced nylon. This material substitution eliminates the electrical hazard while the integrated design provides inherent control over the driving force, preventing over-hammering damage to the cable
Data Source
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AI summary
A fastener (1) for fastening an elongate object to a support structure, the fastener comprising a body portion (2) formed entirely of one or more electrically non- conductive materials and comprising a bridge (3), a first column (4) extending substantially perpendicularly from a first end of the bridge (3) and a second column (5) extending substantially perpendicularly from a second end of the bridge (3), the bridge (3) and columns (4, 5) together forming a U-shaped receptacle (6) for engaging the elongate object, and a nail (7) formed entirely of one or more electrically non- conductive materials and partially contained within the first column (4) of the body portion (2) for positively engaging with the support structure upon the application of force by a driving mechanism thereby fastening the elongate object to the support structure.