Panel-Mount Cable Tie Latch for Variable Thickness Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable tie devices for securing wiring harnesses to vehicle bodies lack robust engagement mechanisms, particularly in accommodating different panel thicknesses and ensuring secure locking mechanisms that prevent accidental removal.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a locking arm with a weakened region, such as a narrowed portion, that allows the lock to pivot and engage further with the flexible ribbon when a retraction force is applied, combined with a flange and anchoring feet that snap into place within a vehicle panel hole, providing enhanced engagement and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional cable tie device is used, then the cable bundle can be secured to the support, but the engagement mechanism is not robust enough to accommodate different panel thicknesses and prevent accidental removal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is designed with a weakened region that allows it to deform dynamically under load. When the cable tie is tightened, the locking arm pivots and deforms to engage further with the flexible ribbon, creating a self-adjusting mechanism that adapts to different panel thicknesses while maintaining robust engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm's geometric parameters are intentionally varied along its length, with a narrowed portion creating a weakened region. This parameter change allows the arm to have different stiffness characteristics in different zones, enabling it to deform in a controlled manner to accommodate varying installation conditions while maintaining locking reliability
2Reliability
If the locking arm is made stronger to prevent accidental removal, then the locking reliability improves, but the ability to deform and engage further under retraction force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm exhibits non-uniform local quality through its cross-sectional variation. The narrowed portion creates a localized weakened region with reduced thickness, while other portions maintain full strength. This allows the arm to deform locally at the weakened region under retraction force while maintaining overall structural integrity and locking security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is effectively segmented into different functional zones: a weakened region for controlled deformation and pivoting, and stronger regions for maintaining engagement force and structural support. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of deformation capability and locking reliability
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
This configuration ensures a secure and robust fastening system that effectively secures the cable bundle to the vehicle body, accommodating various panel thicknesses and preventing accidental removal, while allowing for a more gradual curve of the wiring harness for closer proximity to the support.
Implementation Method 1
The region of weakness allows the latch to be encouraged to deform in a predetermined manner. For example, the region of weakness may be configured to encourage the latch to pivot toward the flexible ribbon, such that a retraction force applied, in use, to the flexible ribbon when engaged with the latch, causes the latch to further engage with the flexible ribbon.
Implementation Method 2
The body is provided with a tapered flange with a pair of opposing anchor legs that protrude outwardly beneath the flange. This allows the body to be inserted into a hole in a vehicle body panel, pushing the anchor legs toward each other until an outer edge of the flange engages the panel. Further insertion deforms the flange, until the anchor legs emerge from the opposite side of the hole, where they snap into engagement with the panel.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A cable tie (1) for securing a cable bundle to a support. The tie comprises a flexible band (2), a mounting body (3) connected to the band (2) at one end, a locking mechanism (7) dependent on the mounting body (3), and a fastening device (8) dependent on the mounting body (3) for engaging with a vehicle panel to secure the tie to the panel. The flexible band (2) has teeth (20) along at least part of its length. The mounting body (3) includes a passage (6) for receiving the other end of the band (2). The locking mechanism (7) is designed to engage with the teeth (2) of the band (2) when inserted into the passage (6). The cable tie (1) is characterized in that the locking mechanism (7) is connected to the mounting body (3) via a weakened region (74) describing a hinge around which the locking mechanism (7) is capable of pivoting.