Spring Steel Catenary Clip for Tool-Free Cable Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for attaching objects to catenary cables are often cumbersome and require tools or rotation of the object, leading to inefficiencies and potential issues like kinked wires.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece clip made from spring steel, capable of transitioning between open and closed configurations without tools, featuring load and locking arms with fingers that secure the cable and allow for easy installation and adjustment, eliminating the need for set screws and reducing the risk of wire twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing attachment solutions are used, then objects can be attached to catenary cables, but the attachment process is cumbersome and requires tools or rotation of the object
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion with a jaw, a locking arm with a finger, and a spring element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling tool-free operation while simplifying the overall attachment process
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to flex and engage with the cable dynamically. The spring element provides continuous force to maintain engagement, enabling the clip to adapt to cable variations without requiring precise manual adjustment or rotation
2Reliability
If existing attachment solutions are used, then objects can be secured to cables, but set screws and rotation are required leading to potential wire kinking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the set screw mechanism from the attachment process. Instead of requiring a set screw to secure the cable, the locking arm with its finger directly engages the cable, removing the source of wire damage while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The clip performs its own securing function through the spring-loaded locking arm that automatically engages and maintains pressure on the cable. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual rotation and set screw adjustment, preventing wire kinking while ensuring reliable attachment
3Productivity
If a single-piece spring steel clip is used, then quick tool-free attachment is enabled, but the structural complexity of the clip increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (jaw, locking arm, spring element) are merged into a single integrated spring steel piece. This consolidation enables tool-free operation and quick installation while the inherent flexibility of spring steel allows the complex structure to be manufactured as one component, reducing assembly steps
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 quick, secure, and versatile attachment of objects to catenary cables with improved ease of installation and adjustment, reducing the risk of wire damage and enhancing the stability of the attachment.
Implementation Method 1
A single-piece clip made from spring steel, capable of transitioning between open and closed configurations
Implementation Method 2
featuring load and locking arms with fingers that secure the cable
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A clip (20) with a single-piece body can be configured to attach an object to a catenary cable. The single-piece body can include a hook portion (22) that is configured to receive the catenary cable, a load arm (24) that extends from the hook portion to engage the object, and a locking arm (26) that extends from the hook portion. The single-piece body can have an open configuration, in which the load arm and the locking arm define an opening (30) to admit the catenary cable into the hook portion, and a closed configuration, in which the locking arm engages the load arm to close the hook portion around the catenary cable.