Universal Conductor Holding Device with Resilient Legs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conductor installation systems are complex and require multiple specialized designs for different conductor sizes and shapes, leading to increased inventory costs, storage space requirements, and environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

A modular holding system comprising interchangeable rail parts with form-fitting projections and resilient leg portions that can accommodate conductors of varying sizes and shapes, allowing for secure attachment without tools and reducing the need for multiple fixture types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple specialized holding devices are used for different conductor sizes and shapes, then each conductor type can be securely held, but inventory costs and storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holding of conductorsVSAvoidnumber of different holding device types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is designed with two resilient leg portions that can accommodate conductors of different sizes and shapes within a single device. The first leg portion with its protrusion handles smaller conductors while the second leg portion handles larger conductors, making one holding device universal for multiple conductor types rather than requiring separate specialized devices for each conductor size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is segmented into two distinct leg portions, each capable of independently holding a conductor. This segmentation allows the single device to function as multiple specialized devices would, reducing inventory needs while maintaining the ability to securely hold different conductor types simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized holding devices are maintained in inventory, then all conductor types can be accommodated, but storage space and material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate different conductor typesVSAvoidstorage space for inventory

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single holding device incorporates two leg portions that together provide the adaptability previously requiring multiple separate devices. The first leg portion accommodates smaller conductors while the second leg portion accommodates larger conductors, eliminating the need to store multiple specialized devices and reducing storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple specialized holding devices into one unified device. By combining two leg portions with different conductor accommodation capabilities into a single holding device structure, the system reduces inventory volume while maintaining versatility across different conductor types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If resilient leg portions with protrusions are used, then conductors can be easily attached without tools, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool-free attachment of conductorsVSAvoidstructure of holding device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The leg portions are designed to be resilient rather than rigid, allowing them to dynamically adjust when a conductor is inserted. The protrusions on the leg portions flex to accommodate the conductor and then spring back to secure it, enabling tool-free attachment while using simple elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient leg portions with protrusions perform the attachment function automatically when a conductor is inserted. The elastic deformation and spring-back action of the resilient material provides self-service securing without requiring external tools or complex actuation mechanisms, keeping the device relatively simple despite the enhanced ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system simplifies conductor installation, reduces inventory and storage needs, enhances safety with redundant retention mechanisms, and minimizes material usage while enabling the use of different conductor sizes in a single holding device, thus improving environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

the leg portion is resiliently deflectable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2783439B1Support system with support for conductors and equipment

Publication Date: 2017.10.25 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a retaining device for receiving conductors, to a retaining system, and to an arrangement, having at least one retaining region with at least one limb portion and a wall portion. The limb portion has at least one first projection and a second projection. The second projection is arranged at an end region of the limb portion, and the first projection is arranged between the second projection and the wall portion.