Wrappable Spacer for Elongate Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining parallel elongate members, such as wires or cables, in a fixed and spaced relation are inefficient, as they fail to prevent relative rotation and translation, are cumbersome, and require multiple clip sizes for different diameters, leading to increased weight and profile issues.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile, flexible wrappable spacer with an adhesive surface and protrusions that can be wrapped around elongate members to maintain them in a fixed, spaced relation, preventing rotation and translation, and accommodating various diameters with a single item by adjustable height and length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rigid figure 8 clips with closed loop ends are used to attach parallel elongate members, then the clips can be slid over predetermined diameter elongate members, but they must be slid over an end of the elongate members prior to attaching connectors or fittings, creating assembly inefficiencies and being cumbersome in areas of limited access
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sliding the clip over the end of the elongate member as in conventional figure 8 clips, the invention inverts the approach by allowing the spacer to be wrapped around the elongate member from the side. The flexible elongate body is wrapped around the elongate members and secured with adhesive, eliminating the need to slide over ends and enabling operation in areas of limited access.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from rigid conventional clips to a flexible elongate body that can be dynamically wrapped around elongate members of various diameters. The flexibility allows the spacer to conform to different sizes and be installed in tight spaces, while the adhesive provides dynamic securing capability.
2Strength
If conventional rigid clips are used to maintain elongate members, then they provide structural support, but they are bulky and do not lend themselves to be concealed in applications requiring a low, generally flat profile
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces rigid bulky clips with a flexible thin film structure. The flexible elongate body wrapped around the elongate members provides the necessary structural support while maintaining a low, flat profile that can be concealed. The flexibility of the thin film allows it to conform to the elongate members while providing adequate support.
3Ease of operation
If plastic clips with broken ends are used to attach parallel elongate members, then the broken ends allow the clips to be spread apart for disposal over the respective elongate member, but they generally do not fix the elongate members against relative translation and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by incorporating an adhesive surface on the flexible elongate body before wrapping. The adhesive is pre-applied to the inner face, allowing the spacer to be wrapped around the elongate members and then adhered to secure them against relative translation and rotation, providing both ease of installation and reliable fixing capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different sizes of clips are used to accommodate various diameters of elongate members, then each diameter can be properly fitted, but multiple clip sizes need to be stocked, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves universality by designing a single flexible elongate body spacer that can accommodate elongate members of various diameters. The flexibility and adjustability of the spacer allow it to conform to different sizes, eliminating the need to stock multiple clip sizes while maintaining proper fit and function across various applications.
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 lightweight, low-profile spacer that effectively maintains elongate members in a fixed and spaced relation, preventing rotation and translation, while being adaptable to different diameters and lengths, reducing assembly complexity and component weight.
Implementation Method 1
The inner face has an adhesive surface
Data Source
AI summary
A low profile, wrappable spacer and method for maintaining a pair of elongate members in fixed, spaced relation to one another is provided. The wrappable spacer includes a flexible elongate body having oppositely facing inner and outer faces extending along laterally spaced, lengthwise extending edges between opposite ends. The inner face has an adhesive surface. At least one member extends between the edges transversely to the lengthwise extending edges. The member extends outwardly from the adhesive surface, wherein the adhesive surface is configured for adhesion to at least one of the member, the elongate members or the outer face.