Self-locking Collar with Pivoting Notched Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-locking assembly collars are complex to mold and bulky, making them difficult to produce and use effectively for holding elongated elements like cables.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking assembly collar design featuring a notched strap with a longitudinal locking head, a movable notched part, and lateral billets that pivot to form a vice, allowing for easier molding and reduced bulkiness, while maintaining tensile strength and adjustment capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional locking head design with separate support part and notched tab is used, then the locking mechanism can grip the strap effectively, but the assembly collar becomes bulky and complex to mold
Solution Approach 1:
The support part and notched tab are merged into a single integral locking head structure molded as one piece. The notched tab is directly formed from the locking head body, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining the gripping function. This reduces molding complexity and assembly steps while preserving locking strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking head is segmented into functional zones: a support part for receiving the strap, a notched tab for engagement, and lateral billets for pivoting motion. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while being molded as a single integrated component, resolving the contradiction between functional complexity and molding simplicity.
2Strength
If a traditional locking head design with separate support part and notched tab is used, then the locking mechanism can grip the strap effectively, but the assembly collar becomes prominent and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the support part and notched tab into a compact integral structure, the overall volume of the locking head is reduced. The notched tab is positioned closer to the support part, eliminating the need for a prominent protruding structure while maintaining effective strap engagement and locking strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The notched tab is designed to pivot in a plane parallel to the bearing part, utilizing lateral motion rather than protruding perpendicular to the locking head body. This dimensional change allows the locking mechanism to function effectively with a more compact, less prominent profile.
3Ease of operation
If the notched tab is positioned away from the support part, then the strap can be easily inserted, but the clamping capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The notched tab is designed with pivoting capability through lateral billets, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. During insertion, the tab pivots away to facilitate easy strap passage. During locking, the tab pivots toward the support part to form a vice and enhance clamping capability, thus resolving the contradiction between insertion ease and clamping strength.
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 design enables easier molding, reduced bulk, and enhanced clamping capabilities, ensuring effective locking and adjustment of cables with improved tensile forces, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective assembly solution.
Implementation Method 1
said notched part and said support part are connected together by lateral billets to allow the pivoting of said notched part of said connecting end towards said inlet end of said longitudinal locking head when said notched part cooperates with said notched strap
Implementation Method 2
the notched strap is made of plastic material and thus has a certain longitudinal elasticity. As it is tightened through the blocking head and around the cable harness, the notched strap is stretched in extension and as soon as its free end is released it tends to resume its original dimension and thus exerts a traction through the blocking head
Implementation Method 3
the notched part is movable relative to said support part, and said notched strap is intended to be engaged between said support part and said notched part when said notched strap is threaded through said longitudinal locking head
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a self-locking assembly collar (10) that includes a notched strap (16) and a longitudinal locking head (12). Said locking head (12) has a connecting end (24) connected to said notched strap and, on the opposite side, an inlet end (22) suitable for receiving a free end (19) of said notched strap (16) so as to form a loop. Said locking head (12) has a bearing portion (28) and an opposite notched portion (30) that is pivotably mounted onto said bearing portion (28). Said notched strap (16) is to be inserted between said bearing portion (28) and said notched portion (30) when said notched strap (16) is threaded through said longitudinal locking head (12), said notched portion (30) being intended to engage with said notched strap (16) so as to lead said notched portion (30) to said bearing portion (28) in order to clamp said notched strap.