P-Clamp Latch Ramp Structure for Tool-Free Wire Bundle Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The securement and routing of wire bundles in aircraft fabrication is time-consuming and costly, requiring efficient and ergonomic solutions for clamp assemblies that can be easily opened and closed by hand, with reliable radial and lateral reinforcement to prevent movement and maintain desired wire configurations.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with a body and strap that form a hinge, featuring a ramp assembly with tab extensions and a locking mechanism allowing for easy manual operation, providing radial and lateral reinforcement to secure wire bundles without the need for tools, and maintaining the desired shape to comply with wiring standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tool is used to open and close clamp assemblies, then the clamp assembly can be securely opened and closed, but the installer requires additional tools which limits ergonomic choices and increases labor time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed with a self-latching mechanism where the strap automatically engages with the body when closed, eliminating the need for external tools. The ratchet mechanism allows the installer to simply pull the strap to tighten and release to open, making the system self-servicing without requiring additional equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the dependency on external tools by integrating all necessary locking and latching functions directly into the clamp assembly structure. The releasing mechanism is built into the strap-body interface, extracting the tool requirement from the system entirely
2Reliability
If radial and lateral reinforcement are added to prevent movement between strap and body, then securement reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial and lateral reinforcement features are merged into the basic structural geometry of the body and strap components. The reinforced ribs and geometric features are integrated into the molding process rather than being separate parts, combining structural reinforcement with the fundamental clamp assembly design
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement is applied locally at specific critical areas where stress and movement occur, such as the interface between strap and body, rather than uniformly throughout the entire structure. This targeted approach provides necessary reliability while minimizing overall complexity
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 efficient and cost-effective securement and routing of wire bundles, reducing labor time and reworking costs by allowing easy manual operation and reliable securement that meets wiring standards and regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a ramp assembly having a surface... with the second end portion of the strap in contact with the surface and slid along in contact with the surface
Implementation Method 2
the second end portion of the strap resiliently bends in a direction toward the first end portion... the second end portion of the strap resiliently bends in a direction away from the first end portion
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A clamp assembly for securing wire bundles to a structure having a body (26) and a strap (42) hinged to the body having an axis of rotation. The body has a ramp with a surface (38) and has a latch wall portion. The strap has a locking wall portion (54) wherein a radial distance from the surface to the axis of rotation decreases as the surface extends in a direction away from the strap such that with the strap in contact with the surface and slid along in contact with the surface, the strap resiliently bends in a direction toward the a first end of the strap. With the strap moved beyond the surface, the strap resiliently bends in a direction away from the first end of the strap, placing the locking wall portion in abutting relationship with the latch wall portion and positioning the strap and the body in a closed locked position.