Stackable Cable Saddle With Sliding Grooves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable clamp systems require disassembly and the use of auxiliary equipment or longer components to add additional saddles, limiting flexibility and compatibility with different cable types.

Innovation Solution

A stackable saddle design featuring a single-body, quadrangular structure with integrated sliding means for easy stacking and elastic arms for cable fixation, allowing for modular assembly without tools and compatibility with various cable types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If threaded bars or jumpers are used to join half-saddles, then the saddles can be assembled to form cable clamp, but the cable clamp must be disassembled to add additional saddles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adding saddlesVSAvoidtime for disassembly and reassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cable clamp system is segmented into modular saddles that can be independently added or removed. Each saddle is a self-contained unit with standardized connection interfaces, allowing the system to be extended by simply adding new modular units without affecting existing ones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from static fixed-length threaded bars to dynamic adjustable mechanisms. The improved design uses sliding blocks and grooves that allow continuous adjustment of the cable clamp length by adding or removing saddles, enabling the system to adapt to varying cable lengths without disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If threaded bars are used to join half-saddles, then the saddles can be connected, but auxiliary equipment and tools are required for assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle connection system is designed to be self-assembling through interference-fit geometric interfaces. The sliding blocks engage with grooves through simple insertion movements that rely on geometric compatibility and elastic deformation, eliminating the need for external tools or auxiliary equipment during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical fastening system using threaded bars and nuts is replaced with a geometric interlocking system based on sliding blocks and grooves. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical fastening operations in favor of simpler insertion and engagement movements that are tool-free.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If half-saddles are reciprocally coupled to form housing seats, then the cable can be sustained, but the structure becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable support reliabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The design merges the two half-saddle components into a single integrated saddle body. The housing seat is formed as one piece rather than through reciprocal coupling of separate halves, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the necessary cable support functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single-body saddle design incorporates multiple functions within one component: the main body provides structural support, integrated cable clamps secure the cable, and built-in connection interfaces enable modular assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate half-saddles and their complex coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-length threaded bars or jumpers are used, then the initial cable clamp configuration can be achieved, but additional saddles require complete substitution of these components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility to add saddlesVSAvoidamount of auxiliary components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system adds a dimensional aspect by incorporating longitudinal grooves and sliding blocks that enable extension in the length direction. This allows the cable clamp to be extended by adding saddles along the longitudinal axis without requiring substitution of transverse connection components like threaded bars.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding blocks are nested within grooves formed in the saddle bodies, creating a compact integrated structure. This nesting allows the connection mechanism to be embedded within the saddle itself rather than requiring external auxiliary components, enabling scalable assembly without proportionally increasing component quantity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3459149B1Stackable saddle of the perfected type for supporting elongated bodies
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 FIMO TEC SPA
  • EP3459149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3459149B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3459149B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A saddle of the perfected type for supporting elongated bodies, having a body with a quadrangular section (11) on whose opposite sides (12a, 12b) wedge- inserted coupling means are provided, of said saddle (10a) with another saddle (10b), so as to have the reciprocal stacking of these saddles (10a, 10b) on a support (5). With respect to the known saddles, that according to the present invention offers the advantage of being stacked on saddles previously installed, thanks to the presence of incorporated means which allow their connection, without the need, however, for resorting to the use of tools and similar auxiliary equipment.