Offset Cable Clamp for Adjustable Power Cable Wedging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical power supply devices lack the ability to adjust the length of the electrical power cable between the housing and the electromechanical actuator, leading to potential damage and stress on the cable due to fixed clamping mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a cable clamp with offset orifices that allow for adjustable cable length by wedging the power cable in a pressed position and releasing it in a tilted position, ensuring secure fixation without internal intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cable clamp uses a fixed clamping mechanism with aligned orifices, then the cable is securely held in position, but the cable length cannot be adjusted and the cable may be damaged due to fixed positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable fixation securityVSAvoidcable length adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cable clamp employs asymmetric offset orifices where the first orifice in the cable clamp is deliberately misaligned relative to the second orifice in the housing. This asymmetric arrangement creates a wedging action that enables both secure cable fixation and adjustable cable length, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the cable clamp is fixed tightly to the housing, then the cable is securely clamped, but internal components may be damaged due to lack of installation flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable clamping reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cable clamp incorporates a tilting mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment during installation. The clamp can be tilted relative to the housing to enable cable insertion and length adjustment, then fixed in the pressed position for secure clamping. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between clamping reliability and installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the cable clamp structure is simplified with aligned orifices, then the manufacturing is easier, but the cable cannot be adjusted and may experience stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable clamp manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcable stress and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The offset orifice configuration, while slightly more complex than aligned orifices, provides a practical solution by enabling cable adjustment capability. The asymmetric design prevents cable stress and damage by allowing proper cable routing and length adjustment, outweighing the minor increase in manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Enables adjustable and secure cable length adjustment without damaging internal components, reducing stress on the cable and ensuring robust fixation while allowing easy installation.

Implementation Method 1

the electrical power cable is held in position by wedging by means of at least a portion of a first peripheral surface of the first passage orifice and at least a portion of a second peripheral surface of the second passage orifice

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedging: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP4576463A1Electric power supply device, motorized drive device comprising such an electric power supply device, and associated concealment device
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP4576463A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4576463A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4576463A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrical power supply device (31) comprises a housing (48), a cable (18) and a cable clamp (49). The cable clamp (49) comprises a first hole (51) for the cable (18) to pass through. The housing (48) comprises a second hole (52) for the cable (18) to pass through. In a pressed position of the cable clamp (49) against the housing (48), in which a fixing screw (50) is screwed, a first geometric center (C51) of the first hole (51) is offset relative to a second geometric center (C52) of the second hole (52), so that the cable (18) is held in position by wedging. Furthermore, in a tilted position of the cable clamp (49) relative to the housing (48), in which the fixing screw (50) is at least partially unscrewed, the cable (18) is released relative to the cable clamp (49) and the housing (48), so that the cable (18) can be slid through the holes (51, 52).