Flexible Transition Fixing for Vibration-Safe Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for routing elongated articles through transition areas, such as curves or obstacles, often result in mount fixing failures and damage to the articles due to vibration, and the use of straps can create pinch points leading to further damage.
Innovation Solution
Transition fixings with flexible spine portions and support connectors that attach to support surfaces, incorporating retainer portions to secure elongated articles and conduits to protect against abrasion and vibration, while allowing for aesthetically pleasing installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If straps are used to compress the ends of the protective cover onto the elongated article, then the protective cover is secured against movement, but pinch points are created that cause movement-induced damage to the elongated article
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transition fixing apparatus as an intermediary device between the protective cover and the elongated article. This apparatus includes a body with a first opening to receive the elongated article and a second opening to receive the protective cover, allowing the protective cover to be secured without creating pinch points on the elongated article. The transition fixing acts as a mediator that distributes pressure and prevents direct compression of the article by straps.
2Ease of operation
If adhesive cable tie saddle mounts are used to mount the elongated articles, then the articles are attached to support surfaces, but vibration causes the adhesive mount to fail and the articles to detach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive-based mechanical mounting system with a transition fixing apparatus that can be securely mounted to support surfaces. The apparatus includes mounting features such as holes or slots that accept fasteners, providing a more reliable mechanical attachment that resists vibration. This substitutes the unreliable adhesive bond with a robust mechanical fastening system.
3Reliability
If the free end of the protective cover moves and vibrates against the mount fixing, then the mount fixing detaches from the support surface, but using straps to secure the cover creates pinch points on the elongated article
Solution Approach 1:
The transition fixing apparatus serves as an intermediary structure that separates the protective cover from direct contact with the mount fixing. The apparatus body provides a dedicated mounting interface that secures the protective cover without allowing it to contact and vibrate against the mount fixing, thereby preventing both detachment and abrasion damage to the elongated article.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition fixing apparatus includes a flexible spine portion that extends between support connectors and provides a pathway for the elongated article. This flexible structure allows the protective cover to be secured while accommodating movement and vibration without transmitting harmful forces to the elongated article, preventing abrasion damage.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are transition fixing apparatuses, which are operable to guide, support, and/or protect an elongated article that is routed from a first support surface to a second support surface and across a transition area that is located between the first and second support surfaces. In an aspect, a transition fixing apparatus includes a first support connector operable to attach to a first support surface, a second support connector operable to attach to a second support surface, and a flexible spine portion that extends between the first support connector and the second support connector. The flexible spine portion includes a retainer portion that is operable to retain an elongated article to enable the flexible spine portion to route the elongated article from the first support surface to the second support surface.