Releasable Cable Tie with Backward Lever for Gloved Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zip ties are not easily removable or reusable, leading to inconvenience and potential damage when cables need to be rerouted or resecured, especially in tight spaces and when wearing gloves.
Innovation Solution
A releasable cable tie design featuring an elongated strap with teeth that engage with a locking head, including a release mechanism that allows the strap to be loosened and removed, with the release mechanism facing away from the secured items to facilitate easy access and leverage, even when wearing gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a typical zip tie is used to secure cables, then the cables are securely fastened, but the tie cannot be loosened or removed without cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct components: a locking head with locking teeth, a strap with engaging teeth, and a release mechanism with a lever arm. This segmentation allows the tie to be securely locked during use while enabling easy release when needed, resolving the contradiction between secure fastening and ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic releasable state through the release mechanism. The lever arm can pivot between positions to either engage and lock the teeth together or disengage them, allowing the tie to adapt between secure fastening and easy removal based on operational needs.
2Device complexity
If the release mechanism is positioned close to the cables, then the structure is compact, but the user cannot easily access it when wearing gloves or in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism extends the lever arm in a direction away from the cables, utilizing spatial extension in another dimension. This allows the release mechanism to remain structurally integrated with the compact locking head while providing sufficient reach and accessibility for gloved hands or tools in tight spaces, resolving the contradiction between compactness and accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a releasable cable tie is used, then the tie can be removed and reused, but existing designs do not provide sufficient leverage or ergonomic access for release
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm is designed with a curved or elongated geometry that provides mechanical leverage advantage. The curved shape allows the user to apply force at an optimal angle and distance from the pivot point, maximizing the leverage effect needed to disengage the locking teeth, thus enabling easy release while maintaining reusability.
Data Source
AI summary
A tie to secure items therewithin that can be loosened or released to allow the items to be removed therefrom and the tie to be reused. The tie includes an elongated strap having teeth formed thereon that engage with teeth in a locking head to allow movement in only one direction (tightening). A release pad in conjunction with a backplate enables the teeth in the locking head to be disengaged from the teeth on the elongated strap when the release pad is depressed so that the strap can move in an opposite direction (removal). The release pad and the backplate are configured to face away from the items secured within the strap to provide more room for engagement (e.g., by a user's hand) and provide necessary leverage to release the cable tie without need to press the tie against other items (e.g., cables, chassis).