Polymeric Grommet with Central Member for Cable Bundling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for bundling cables often require the creation of multi-drop cables, which can increase manufacturing variations, testing, and product development time, and may not be suitable for multiple cable types, limiting flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A grommet formed of polymeric material with a cylindrical profile and central member for bundling discrete cables, along with a braided cable bundle method that secures cables together using a predetermined braid pattern, allowing for flexible bundling and reduced movement of cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-drop cables are created to bundle cables, then cable bundling is achieved, but manufacturing variations increase and product development time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable bundling capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the cable bundling system into separate components: individual discrete cables are bundled using a grommet with a central member, rather than creating a single multi-drop cable assembly. This segmentation allows each cable to be manufactured independently with consistent specifications, reducing manufacturing variations while achieving the desired cable bundling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-drop cables are created to bundle cables, then cable bundling is achieved, but testing and product development work increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable bundling capabilityVSAvoidproduct development time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The grommet with central member serves as a universal bundling mechanism that can accommodate multiple discrete cables of various types and sizes. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate product development and testing for each cable configuration, as the same grommet design can be applied across different cable applications, significantly reducing product development time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If discrete cables are bundled together without a central member, then cable bundling is achieved, but cable movement and risk of damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable bundling flexibilityVSAvoidcable stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The central member acts as an intermediary element within the grommet that provides a stable core around which discrete cables are bundled. This central member prevents cables from moving independently or tangling, thereby reducing cable movement and the risk of damage while maintaining the flexibility to bundle various cable types together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11300750B2Devices and methods for bundling cables

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure describes a grommet formed of a polymeric material and adapted for bundling a plurality of discrete cables, comprising a main body having a generally cylindrical profile surrounding an interior cavity, the main body further having a length, a thickness, and a longitudinal axis; and a central member integrally coupled to the main body and located within the interior cavity of the main body, the central member extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body. Methods of bundling cables are also provided.