Reusable Cable Tie With Pivotable Locking Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable ties are typically single-use devices that cannot be easily reused, and modifications to make them reusable often interfere with standard tightening tools or require complex reorientation of components.
Innovation Solution
A cable tie design featuring a locking head with a pivotally movable leg and a latching mechanism that allows the head to switch between closed and open positions, enabling the strap to be released and reinserted, facilitating reusability without hindering tool compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a projecting tab is added to the pawl to enable easy release of the ratchet, then the cable tie becomes reusable, but the cable tie tightening tools cannot be correctly located adjacent to or over the head of the cable tie
Solution Approach 1:
The release tab is reoriented to extend perpendicularly away from the strap (in a different dimension/direction), allowing tightening tools to approach from the front while the tab protrudes from the side for manual release access
Solution Approach 2:
The locking head is divided into functional zones: the front face for tool engagement and the side projection for manual release, allowing simultaneous compatibility with both automated tightening tools and manual release operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the base wall of the head is enlarged to accommodate a projecting tab, then the cable tie tightening tool can abut against the enlarged base wall, but the structure becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of enlarging the base wall in the planar dimension, the release function is achieved by projecting the tab perpendicular to the strap in a different dimension, maintaining compact head dimensions while providing both tool compatibility and manual release capability
3Ease of operation
If conventional cable ties are released by cutting through the strap, then the cable tie can be released, but the cable tie is destroyed and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is made dynamic and reversible through the resilient pawl that can be deflected by the release tab, allowing the strap to be withdrawn from the head in one direction while preventing withdrawal in the opposite direction, enabling repeated use
Solution Approach 2:
The release tab extracts the disturbing element (the locked pawl) from its blocking position, allowing the strap to be removed from the head without destroying either the strap or the head, thereby enabling reuse
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 the cable tie to be reused by allowing easy release and re-tightening of the strap, maintaining compatibility with standard tightening tools and enhancing user accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
the pawl engages with the teeth in a ratchet to prevent the strap from being withdrawn from the head
Implementation Method 2
the resilient pawl deflects to allow the strap to be pulled through the head in one direction only wherein the loop is tightened
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a releasable cable tie having an elongated flexible strap provided with a plurality of strap teeth and with a locking head disposed at one end of the strap. The locking head defines a passage therethrough wherein there is located a resiliently movable pawl being configured to engage with the strap teeth when the strap is inserted through the passage. The locking head has a first leg joined to the strap and a second leg being pivotally movably joined to the first leg at a hinge. The locking head can be selectively disposed between an open position and a closed position. In its closed position the second leg butts against the first leg to define the passage, whereas in its open position the second leg is spaced away from the first leg to provide a side opening into the passage.