Transverse Wire Clamp Assembly to Prevent Inadvertent Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting flexible elongate articles, such as wires or cables, in a transverse or cross relationship are inefficient and prone to inadvertent release, particularly when used in agricultural settings like fruit tree cultivation, where secure and quick connections are necessary to support netting and cables.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a first and second securing arrangement, featuring a clamping mechanism and a movable member, which securely clamps the articles in transverse orientations, utilizing a compression spring and hook formation to maintain tension and prevent release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional twisting methods are used to join wires, then the connection can be made with simple tools, but the connection is prone to inadvertent release and lacks reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion, a first clamping arrangement for the first elongate article, and a second clamping arrangement for the second elongate article. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while keeping the overall device manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable members including a first movable member with a cam mechanism and a second movable member that can be moved along the body. These dynamic elements allow the clamping arrangements to be adjusted and secured in different positions, providing reliable connections while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If secure clamping is achieved through complex mechanisms, then inadvertent release is prevented, but the operation becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping members are pre-positioned within the body and the movable members are pre-configured in their respective positions. This preliminary arrangement allows the operator to quickly secure the elongate articles without requiring complex assembly steps during operation, thus maintaining high productivity while ensuring secure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed so that the movable members and clamping arrangements automatically engage and secure the elongate articles when positioned correctly. The cam mechanism and movable member design allow the connection to be secured through simple movement, reducing the time required while maintaining reliability.
3Device complexity
If a single clamping mechanism is used for both articles, then the device structure is simplified, but the ability to independently secure transverse articles is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The body serves as a universal structure that carries both the first and second clamping arrangements, allowing a single device to handle multiple elongate articles in transverse orientations. This multi-functional design maintains structural simplicity while providing the versatility needed for independent securing of both articles.
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 device provides a quick, secure, and efficient method to connect elongate articles, reducing the risk of inadvertent release and allowing for consistent tension, thus enhancing the stability of netting and cable support systems in agricultural applications.
Implementation Method 1
the first clamping arrangement including a clamping member and an urging member, the clamping member being arranged for clamping the first elongate article in the passage; wherein the urging member is arranged for urging the clamping member towards the passage in a direction away from the forward region of the body into clamping engagement with the first elongate article
Implementation Method 2
the second clamping arrangement further including a movable member, the movable member including a clamping portion for clamping the second elongate article, and the movable member including a cooperating portion to allow movement of the movable member to clamp the second elongate article against the receiving arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
A connecting device (10) comprises a first securing arrangement (16) for securing a first elongate article (12) to the connecting device (10). The first elongate article (12) is secured in a first orientation. The connecting device (10) comprises a second securing arrangement (18) for securing a second elongate article (14) to the connecting device (10). The second elongate article (14) is secured in a second orientation. The second orientation is transverse to the first orientation.