RFID Cable Tie for Secure Fixturing and Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industries such as telecommunication, electronics, and broadcasting, there is a need for an efficient system to identify, track, and sort cables due to the large number of different types of cables used daily, and existing fixturing apparatuses do not provide reliable and quick identification and sorting solutions.
Innovation Solution
A fixturing apparatus with a housing comprising subassemblies and an aperture, featuring flexible straps with rigid locking teeth that securely attach to cables, and an optional RFID chip for enhanced identification and tracking, allowing for strong fixation and easy cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible strap fasteners are used to attach cables, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of identification and tracking is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical fastening functionality with RFID identification functionality into a single integrated cable tie apparatus. The RFID tag is embedded within the cable tie body, merging the attachment mechanism and identification system into one unified component, thereby simultaneously achieving ease of operation and reliable identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tie apparatus performs multiple functions: mechanical fastening of cables and RFID-based identification/tracking. This multi-functional design allows a single component to serve both operational convenience and reliable cable management purposes.
2Device complexity
If traditional fasteners are used for cable management, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity in cable sorting is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual cable identification and sorting processes with automated RFID detection. RFID readers can quickly scan and identify cables without manual intervention, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining the simplicity of the mechanical fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID-enabled cable ties provide self-identification capabilities, allowing the system to automatically track and sort cables without requiring manual labeling or identification processes, thereby improving productivity.
3Reliability
If RFID tags are integrated into the fixturing apparatus, then reliability of tracking is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is integrated within the existing cable tie structure, merging the identification system with the mechanical fastener. This integration approach adds tracking capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by utilizing the existing structural framework.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fixturing apparatus that includes a housing defining an interior space and having a trapezoidal cross-section, a first end, and an opposing second end, and is formed to include an aperture extending therethrough from the first end to said second end. The fixturing apparatus further comprises a flexible strap and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip to allow identifying and tracking the fixturing apparatus.