Self-Locking Cable Support Assembly for Fast Aircraft Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable fixing systems require lengthy assembly times due to multiple tool manipulations, which is detrimental to productivity, especially in confined spaces like aircraft interiors.
Innovation Solution
A cable support system featuring an open annular body with jaws and a self-locking clamping mechanism, combined with an intermediate support, allowing rapid and reliable installation using self-locking clamping collars or cam cylinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable fixing systems using screws, washers, and rivets are used, then reliable cable fixation is achieved, but assembly time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixing functions into a single integrated cable support element that includes an annular body for cable guidance, jaws for clamping, and integrated mounting features. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate screws, washers, and rivets, achieving both reliable fixation and rapid assembly in a single operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable support element incorporates self-locking features where the jaws automatically clamp onto the cable when the annular body is compressed, and the element can be directly mounted onto intermediate supports without requiring additional fastening operations. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual tool manipulations while ensuring reliable cable fixation.
2Reliability
If multiple tool manipulations are required for cable assembly, then secure cable positioning is achieved, but assembly time extends and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable support element is segmented into distinct functional zones: the annular body for cable insertion and guidance, the jaws for clamping, and the mounting interface for attachment to intermediate supports. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its function independently and simultaneously during a single assembly operation, eliminating sequential tool manipulations while maintaining positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable support element is pre-configured with jaws in the open position and mounting features ready for engagement. During assembly, the element is simply inserted onto the intermediate support and the jaws automatically close onto the cable, performing the positioning action preliminarily designed into the structure without requiring additional tool operations during installation.
3Strength
If traditional fixing assemblies with multiple components are used, then robust cable support is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the annular body, clamping jaws, and mounting interface into a single integrated cable support element. This consolidation maintains the robust structural integrity needed for strong cable support while eliminating the complexity of assembling multiple separate components, reducing the overall device complexity despite maintaining strength.
4Productivity
If rapid cable installation is implemented, then productivity improves, but assembly reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking jaws automatically engage and clamp onto the cable with sufficient force to ensure reliable positioning, while the integrated mounting features provide secure attachment to intermediate supports. This self-service mechanism achieves both rapid installation and assembly reliability simultaneously without requiring complex multi-step procedures or additional verification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable support element utilizes material properties and geometric design to create self-locking jaws that automatically adjust their clamping force based on the cable diameter and tension. This parameter-based design ensures reliable cable positioning across various cable types and installation conditions while maintaining rapid, tool-free assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable support includes an open annular body and two jaws secured to the open annular body and extending therefrom, arranged with one facing the other to form a clamp, the open annular body having an aperture. The aperture of the annular body is configured to allow insertion of at least one cable into the annular body. The terminal parts of the open annular body bordering the aperture each have a loop configured for passage of a self-locking clamping collar around the open annular body. The clamp-forming jaws each include at least one through aperture configured for the passage of a fixing structure that can be locked in position. A fixing assembly includes a cable support and an intermediate fixing support of the cable support. It is advantageously possible to carry out a fast and reliable installation of cables, notably in cramped spaces such as on board an aircraft.