Releasable Strap Mount with Locking Head for Pipe Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable tie apparatuses are limited in their ability to mount devices other than by routing the strap body over a bundle of wires or cables, as they do not provide a mechanism for securing objects to pipes, tubes, or other structures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A releasable strap mount with a strap body and a cooperating locking head, featuring a releasable rotation coupling and interlock members, allowing the strap body to be shortened and securely attached to various sizes of mounting structures through a locking mechanism, enabling the mounting of devices on pipes, tubes, and other objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cable tie apparatus is used to secure wires or cables, then the bundle of wires or cables is secured, but the ability to mount other devices on pipes, tubes, or structures is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tie apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can secure bundles of wires or cables (original function) and also mount other devices on pipes, tubes, or structures (new function). The locking head with its interface surface and external interconnect allows the strap to be used as a mounting mechanism, transforming a single-function component into a multi-functional tool that addresses the adaptability requirement without requiring separate mounting hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the strap body is made adjustable in length, then the mounting flexibility on different sized structures is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional coupling members and divisibility features
Solution Approach 1:
The strap body is divided into multiple segments with intervening coupling members spaced at intervals along its length. Each coupling member includes features that allow the strap body to be divided or shortened at predetermined locations. This segmentation enables the strap to be adjusted to different lengths to fit various mounting scenarios while keeping the adjustment mechanism integrated into the strap structure itself, rather than requiring separate adjustment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap body incorporates a releasable rotation coupling at its second end, allowing the strap to be rotated and repositioned during installation. This dynamic feature, combined with the ability to divide the strap at intervening coupling members, provides adaptability for mounting on structures of different sizes and shapes. The dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through mechanical features already present in the strap construction, balancing flexibility with structural integrity.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the strap body, then the security of the mounting is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the interlock engagement requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed as a self-latching system where the outer interlock engagement member on the strap body automatically engages with the interlock member on the locking head when the strap is pulled through. This self-service locking action secures the mounting without requiring additional tools or complex manual operations. The reliability of the mounting is ensured by the automatic engagement of interlocking features that prevent accidental release, while the ease of operation is maintained because the locking action occurs naturally during the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable strap mount having a strap body and a cooperating locking head. The strap body is elongated between first and second ends with an outer interlock engagement member positioned adjacent to the first end. The locking head has an interface surface and an opposite external interconnect, and a passageway extended therethrough that is sized to accept the strap body lengthwise therethrough. The locking head also has an interlock member for releasably interlocking with the outer interlock engagement member of the strap body within the passageway. A releasable rotation coupling is formed between the locking head and the second end of the strap body. The strap body has a plurality of intervening coupling members spaced at intervals along a length thereof, and the strap body is divisible adjacent to each of the intervening coupling members between the intervening coupling member and its second end for shortening the strap body.