Flexible Polymer Tie-Wire Holster for Compact Wire Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire handling and dispensing devices for small gauge wire rolls are not compact enough and are costly to manufacture, often causing the wire to lose its shape and become tangled when the holding wire is removed.
Innovation Solution
A tie-wire holster with a tire-shaped body made from flexible polymer material and a spool-shaped attachment member, featuring tension relief circles and slots to maintain the wire's compact shape, combined with a belt clip or magnetic attachment for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing wire handling and dispensing devices are used, then wire dispensing is enabled, but the devices are not compact and are costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The holster body is constructed from flexible polymer material that forms a tire-shaped structure, eliminating the need for complex rigid mechanical components while maintaining the wire roll's compact shape during dispensing
Solution Approach 2:
The holster body includes slots that segment the structure to allow wire insertion and dispensing while maintaining overall structural integrity, simplifying manufacturing compared to fully enclosed rigid designs
2Ease of operation
If holding wire segments are removed from the wire roll, then wire dispensing is enabled, but the wire loses its compact toroidal shape and becomes tangled
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible polymer holster body conformally surrounds the wire roll, maintaining its compact toroidal shape even after holding wire segments are removed, while still allowing easy dispensing of wire lengths
Solution Approach 2:
The holster body is pre-formed with a tire-shaped structure that automatically receives and secures the wire roll in the correct orientation, preventing shape loss before dispensing begins
3Volume of moving object
If a compact wire storage solution is used, then portability is improved, but secure positioning and prevention of dislodgment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
An attachment member with belt clip or magnetic attachment features serves as an intermediary between the compact holster and the user's belt or surface, providing secure positioning without increasing holster volume
Solution Approach 2:
The tire-shaped and spool-shaped curved geometries of the holster and attachment member create natural nesting and engagement features that prevent dislodgment while maintaining compact dimensions
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 solution provides a compact, economical, and effective means to maintain the wire roll's shape while allowing easy dispensing and cutting, preventing tangling and expansion, with secure attachment to prevent dislodgment.
Implementation Method 1
A tie-wire holster with a tire-shaped body made from flexible polymer material
Implementation Method 2
magnetic attachment for secure positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A tie-wire holster having a tire-shaped body formed of a flexible polymer material. The body includes sidewalls having first and second central openings, and at least two slots formed in the first sidewall, the slots extending from the central opening of the first sidewall into a top circumferential portion. A spool-shaped attachment member with a first flange and a second flange, the second flange sized to extend though the body's second central opening and the first flange sized to not be capable of extending through the second central opening. The first flange is positioned against an interior of the second sidewall and the second flange is positioned against an exterior of the second sidewall.