Nylon Graphene Composite Cable Ties for High Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nylon 6,6 matrix-based cable ties have limited mechanical strength, restricting their ability to achieve higher performance in holding tension force and elongation, making them inadequate for withstanding environmental forces and securing bundles effectively.

Innovation Solution

Cable ties are developed using a composite of nylon and chemically functionalized graphene, with the graphene acting as a reinforcing filler, improving tensile strength and elongation by up to 30% and 20% respectively, and being incorporated in amounts between 0.01 wt % and 5 wt %.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If nylon 6,6 matrix is used for cable ties, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but mechanical strength and elongation are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining nylon 6,6 matrix with graphene filler to create a nylon/graphene composite. This composite material maintains the ease of manufacture of traditional nylon cable ties while significantly improving mechanical strength and elongation properties, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and mechanical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If nylon 6,6 matrix is used for cable ties, then cost is controlled, but holding tension force and elongation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding tension forceVSAvoidmaterial simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters by incorporating graphene filler at optimized concentrations (0.01-5 wt%) into the nylon 6,6 matrix. This parameter change enhances the holding tension force and elongation while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes, thereby improving reliability without significantly complicating production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If nylon 6,6 matrix is used for cable ties, then processing is simple, but elongation and tensile strength are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidmaterial composition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials with graphene filler incorporated into the nylon 6,6 matrix at controlled concentrations. This approach enhances tensile strength and elongation while keeping the material composition relatively simple and compatible with existing extrusion and molding processes, thus improving strength without excessively increasing device or process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 nylon/graphene composite cable ties exhibit enhanced mechanical strength, enabling them to securely hold bundles and withstand additional environmental forces, such as those due to ice, while maintaining usability both indoors and outdoors.

Implementation Method 1

cable ties including a composite of nylon and graphene

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComposite materials: Composite Materials

Implementation Method 2

graphene acting as a reinforcing filler, improving tensile strength and elongation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGraphene reinforcement: Graphene

Data Source

PatentUS9061806B2Cable ties employing a nylon/graphene composite

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Cable ties employing a nylon/graphene composite.