Non-Planar Aperture Container for Cable-Tie Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage devices for flexible elongate members like cable-ties are inefficient, prone to damage, and difficult to use due to their open-ended design, leading to cable-ties falling out during storage and transport, and lack portability.

Innovation Solution

A container with a non-planar aperture design that maintains a three-dimensional space, featuring a convex or concave orientation and inclined angles to prevent cable-ties from falling out, combined with a rigid structure and mounting options for easy access and secure attachment to various surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional open-ended containers are used for cable-ties, then cable-ties are easily accessible, but cable-ties protrude and are prone to falling out during storage and transport

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of cable-tiesVSAvoidSecurity of cable-ties in storage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture perimeter is configured in a non-planar orientation (convex or concave) to create three-dimensional space, transforming the flat two-dimensional opening into a depth-providing three-dimensional structure that prevents cable-ties from falling out while maintaining accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If flexible plastic bag packaging is used, then cable-ties are contained, but the packaging deforms and damages, allowing cable-ties to fall out

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveContainment of cable-tiesVSAvoidDurability of packaging
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a rigid or semi-rigid container structure with a specifically designed non-planar aperture perimeter that maintains its shape during repeated use, replacing the deformable flexible plastic bag with a more durable structure that resists deformation and damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The non-planar aperture perimeter creates three-dimensional space that provides structural integrity and prevents the container from deforming, allowing the packaging to withstand repeated removal and insertion operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If cable-ties are stored in planar fashion, then they fit in the container, but there is no space for grasping, requiring multiple attempts to remove a cable-tie

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveStorage capacity of containerVSAvoidEase of removing cable-ties
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The non-planar aperture perimeter creates three-dimensional space around the cable-ties, providing depth that allows the operator's fingers to grasp the cable-ties easily without requiring multiple attempts, while still maintaining efficient storage capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If fixed mounting devices are used, then cable-ties are securely stored, but the devices lack portability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSecurity of storageVSAvoidPortability of container
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed with mounting features that enable it to be securely attached to various surfaces (workbenches, walls, vehicles) while maintaining portability, allowing the same container to serve both fixed and mobile storage needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3265273B1A receptacle for flexible elongate members
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 BRANIFF SHANE
  • EP3265273B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3265273B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3265273B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A container for the storage and transport of flexible elongate members namely cable- ties. The container having an aperture for removal of the flexible elongate members. The portion of the container defining the aperture having means for maintaining at least part of a perimeter of the aperture in a non-planar orientation.