Rotatable Clamping Member for Secure Cable Attachment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing securing devices for suspending items from elongate articles, such as signage, are often time-consuming and difficult to install, and can be challenging to uninstall once a load is applied, especially when using devices with wedge or roller clamping mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A securing device featuring a rotatable clamping member supported by a carriage with an urging formation, allowing the clamping member to move into and out of engagement with the elongate article, facilitated by a housing with pivot and spring mechanisms, enabling easy installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a wedge or roller clamping mechanism is used to secure the elongate article, then the clamping force and security are improved, but the device becomes difficult to uninstall after load is applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoiduninstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping member is designed to rotate between a clamping position and a release position, transforming the static wedge/roller mechanism into a dynamic rotatable system. This allows the clamping member to be easily rotated out of engagement with the elongate article for quick uninstallation, while still providing strong clamping force when engaged

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a wedge or roller that requires significant force to disengage, the invention inverts the approach by using a rotatable clamping member that can be easily rotated to disengage. The urging formation provides the clamping force passively, while rotation enables active control of engagement and disengagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a traditional clamping device is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the installation process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The urging formation is pre-configured to automatically urge the clamping member into the clamping position as the elongate article is inserted through the pathway. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual adjustment or additional steps to achieve secure attachment, reducing installation time while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-service by automatically clamping the elongate article through the urging formation that pushes the clamping member into engagement. The system self-regulates the clamping force and position, eliminating the need for operator intervention during installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the clamping member is tightly engaged to secure the article, then the security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the rotatable clamping member, the urging formation, the pathway, and the support arrangement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, reducing overall complexity while maintaining security through the coordinated action of these segmented parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the complex wedge or roller mechanism from traditional clamping devices and replaces it with a simpler rotatable clamping member. This extraction removes unnecessary complexity while retaining the essential clamping function through the combination of rotation and urging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The device allows for quick and efficient installation and removal of elongate articles, ensuring secure clamping and easy adjustment, while accommodating variations in article diameter through clearance arrangements, thus providing a lightweight, cost-effective solution.

Implementation Method 1

a clamping arrangement comprising a wedge or roller and a compression spring that urges the wedge or roller into clamping engagement with the wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the clamping member being rotatably movable into the pathway; the support arrangement including an urging formation for urging the clamping member into a clamping position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3942198B1Securing device
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 GRIPPLE LTD
  • EP3942198B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3942198B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3942198B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

A securing device (10) for securing an elongate article (12) comprises a rotatable clamping member (22), and a support arrangement for supporting the clamping member (22). The clamping member (22) is rotatably mounted on the support arrangement. The securing device (10) defines a pathway (30) for the elongate article (12). The clamping member (22) is rotatably movable into the pathway (30). The support arrangement further includes an urging formation (20) for urging the clamping member (22) into a clamping position in said pathway (30).