Suspension Wire Clamp With Controlled Slip Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for wires, such as electrically conductive cables, fail to provide a secure retention mechanism that allows for controlled sliding when excessive pulling forces are applied, risking damage to the wire or the support structure.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with a base and a keeper featuring an elastomer lining that provides a static retaining force to secure the wire, while allowing sliding when the pulling force exceeds this threshold within a designed slip force range, utilizing operable means like threaded fasteners to apply pressure and maintain friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamp provides strong retention force to secure the wire, then the wire is retained relative to the clamp, but the wire may be damaged when excessive pulling forces are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp utilizes friction as a controllable parameter to retain the wire. The elastomer lining and base are designed to provide a static retaining force through friction that is sufficient to hold the wire under normal conditions but allows sliding when pulling forces exceed the designed slip force range, thus preventing wire damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp transitions from a static retention mechanism to a dynamic one that permits controlled sliding. The design allows the wire to slide relative to the clamp when pulling forces exceed the static retaining force, transforming the clamp from a rigid constraint to a flexible retention device that adapts to varying force conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the clamp allows sliding of the wire, then excessive pulling forces are prevented, but the wire may become loose or dislodged under normal operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with specific friction characteristics and geometric parameters that create a threshold effect. The static retaining force is calibrated to be sufficient for normal operating conditions, maintaining reliable wire retention, while allowing controlled sliding when forces exceed the designed slip force range.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer lining acts as an intermediary between the wire and the clamp body. It provides the necessary friction for retention under normal conditions while allowing controlled deformation and sliding when excessive forces are applied, mediating between the wire and the rigid clamp structure.
3Reliability
If the elastomer lining is pressed against the wire with high force, then the static retaining force is increased, but the complexity of the force application mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design allows the wire itself to contribute to the force application. As the wire is installed and tensioned, it naturally presses against the elastomer lining and base, utilizing the wire's own tension to create the retaining force, thereby eliminating the need for additional active force application mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer lining serves as a passive intermediary that converts the geometric constraint and wire tension into the necessary retaining force. The force is applied through the inherent friction and normal force generated by the wire-clamp interaction, rather than through an active mechanical force application system.
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 clamp effectively retains the wire without damaging it and permits controlled sliding when necessary, maintaining tension and preventing damage to either the wire or the support structure by managing forces within a specific range.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer lining is pressed against the wire to provide a static retaining force, as a function of the force, on the wire to retain the wire relative to the clamp
Implementation Method 2
the elastomer lining is pressed against the wire... permits sliding of the wire relative to the clamp when a pulling force on the wire exceeds the static retaining force
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for suspending a wire is provided. The clamp includes a base having a support surface that defines a first boundary of a wire receiving region. The clamp includes a keeper having an elastomer lining that defines a second boundary of the wire receiving region. The clamp includes means for providing force to at least one of the keeper or the base such that, when the wire is in the receiving region, the elastomer lining is pressed against the wire to provide a static retaining force, as a function of the force, on the wire to retain the wire relative to the clamp and permits sliding of the wire relative to the clamp when a pulling force on the wire exceeds the static retaining force and remains within a designed slip force range.