Stackable Routing Clip With Weld Projection For Automated Cable Management

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for securing cables to machinery using oval-shaped or open-ended wire mounts are inefficient, posing risks of burn injuries, exposure to harmful gases and fumes, and increasing production costs due to the need for manual handling and multiple welds.

Innovation Solution

A stackable routing clip with a body and wing sections, configured for easy stacking and dispensing, featuring a weld projection and routing ports for cable ties, allowing for secure attachment to machinery with a single weld using a weld tool and dispenser.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual handling and multiple welds are used to secure wire mounts to machinery, then the mount can be securely attached, but the risk of burn injuries and exposure to welding hazards increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidburn injuries and welding hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The routing clip is pre-formed with the final shape and cable routing structure before installation. The wire is pre-bent into the desired configuration during manufacturing, eliminating the need for the worker to manually manipulate and form the wire on-site. This preliminary preparation removes the worker's hands from proximity to the welding zone while ensuring proper cable routing is achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of wire with an automated wire feeding system. The pre-formed wire is fed through the dispensing device and positioned automatically, substituting the worker's hands and manual bending operations with automated mechanical systems that keep personnel safe from welding hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual handling and multiple welds are used to secure wire mounts to machinery, then the mount can be securely attached, but the time required and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidinstallation time and production cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wire mount is pre-formed with the final shape and cable routing structure before installation. The wire is pre-bent into the desired configuration during manufacturing, eliminating the need for the worker to manually manipulate and form the wire on-site. This preliminary preparation removes the worker's hands from proximity to the welding zone while ensuring proper cable routing is achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated component. The routing clip incorporates both the mounting function (securing to machinery) and the cable routing function (guiding cables through wings) in one piece that requires only a single weld. This merging eliminates the need for separate operations to form the wire and secure it, reducing installation time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the worker's hand is in close proximity to the welding site to hold the mount, then the mount can be positioned accurately, but the risk of burn injuries and contact with welding equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidburn injuries and equipment contact risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The routing clip is pre-formed with the final shape and cable routing structure before installation. The wire is pre-bent into the desired configuration during manufacturing, eliminating the need for the worker to manually manipulate and form the wire on-site. This preliminary preparation removes the worker's hands from proximity to the welding zone while ensuring proper cable routing is achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of wire with an automated wire feeding system. The pre-formed wire is fed through the dispensing device and positioned automatically, substituting the worker's hands and manual bending operations with automated mechanical systems that keep personnel safe from welding hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 stackable routing clip reduces the risk of injuries and production costs by enabling a single automated weld process, improving efficiency and safety by minimizing manual handling and exposure to welding hazards.

Implementation Method 1

a weld projection (36) that extends away from the lower face (18) of the body (12)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS9296059B2Stackable routing clip

Publication Date: 2016.03.29 IMAGE INDS INC

AI summary

A stackable routing clip for installation on machinery using a weld tool. The stackable routing clip has a body and at least one wing section. A weld projection extends from a lower face of the body. Each wing section may extend from the body and include a routing port that receives the insertion of a cable tie used to secure cables to the stackable routing clip. The stackable routing clip is configured so that a plurality of the stackable routing clips may be grouped together to form a stack. The clips may be stacked together in a dispenser that is used to dispense of individual clips when a clip is to be welded by the weld tool to the machinery. The weld tool may melt the weld projection and plunge the clip into the resultant molten metal for a quick and strong weld.