Stackable Cable Holder With Hinged Shells for Individual Cable Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stackable cable holders are difficult to manufacture, prone to material fatigue, and uncomfortable to handle, especially when accessing individual cables without compromising the security of other cables in the stack.

Innovation Solution

A cable holder design featuring a pivotable housing shell with a hinge and a linear-motion bearing connection mechanism, allowing individual cable access without disassembling the stack, and incorporating elastic elements for secure clamping and a latching arrangement for robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If stackable cable holders are used to secure multiple cables at a single attachment point, then the quantity of cables mountable is increased, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of cablesVSAvoidstacking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable holder is divided into separate modular units that can be stacked independently. Each unit contains its own hinge mechanism and housing shells, allowing individual operation without affecting other units in the stack. This segmentation enables multiple cables to be secured while maintaining simple, standardized manufacturing for each module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple cable holder units are nested together in a vertical stack, with each unit containing cables within its own housing. The nested arrangement allows multiple cables to be secured at a single attachment point while each unit remains independently accessible and manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the cable holder is opened to access a single cable, then cable maintenance is enabled, but the mechanical security of other cables in the stack becomes compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable accessibilityVSAvoidcable security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each cable holder unit has its own independent hinge and housing shells, allowing one unit to be opened for cable maintenance without affecting the closed state and security of other units in the stack. This segmentation isolates the operational impact to a single unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism allows dynamic opening and closing of individual housing shells while maintaining the structural integrity and closed state of other units. The dynamic capability enables selective access without compromising the static security of adjacent cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex stacking mechanism is used to connect multiple cable holders, then stackability is achieved, but the ease of manufacture decreases and material fatigue increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestackabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between stacked units is achieved through simple, standardized interface elements on each modular unit rather than a complex integrated mechanism. This segmentation allows each unit to be manufactured independently using simple processes while maintaining stackability through repeated assembly of identical units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stacking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and tool-free, where the simple connection elements automatically guide and secure adjacent units together without requiring complex adjustment or specialized tools during assembly or disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Strength

If a robust connection mechanism is used to secure the stack, then mechanical strength is improved, but the ease of operation for individual access decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidhandling comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robust connection is achieved through simple interface elements on each modular unit rather than a complex integrated locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the stack to be mechanically strong while individual units remain easy to manipulate and access without requiring tools or complex operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and tool-free, automatically guiding units together during assembly and securing them with simple engagement. This self-service capability provides robust mechanical strength while maintaining ease of operation for installation and individual access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4311049A1Cable holder; stack of cable holders and fixation arrangement
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 ROSENBERGER HOCHFREQUENZTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4311049A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4311049A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4311049A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a first cable holder, comprising a first housing shell, a second housing shell, and a hinge connecting the first housing shell to the second housing shell being pivotable between an open position, in which a cable or a grommet can be inserted between the first and the second housing shell, and a closed position, in which the cable or the grommet is captively accommodated between the first and the second housing shell. The cable holder further comprises a first connection element for making connection to a second connection element of a second cable holder, and a second connection element for making connection to a first connection element of a second cable holder. The second connection element is at least substantially a negative shape of the first connection element, such that the first connection element and the second connection element may establish a linear-motion bearing with the respective counterpart. The first connection element is arranged on the first housing shell and the second connection element is arranged on the second housing shell.