CA2500094A1

CA2500094A1 - Tie-clamp for wiring bundles

Info

Publication number: CA2500094A1
Application number: CA 2500094
Authority: CA
Inventors: Petar Glamoclija
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-17
Filing date: 2005-03-17
Publication date: 2006-09-17

Abstract

A wire bundles clamp, denominated Tie-Clamp, for securing wires in bundle or branches configuration. This type of clamps is provided with adjustable diameter to accommodate different size of bundles, constant spring force/load toward center of the clamp, insuring positive and constant grip to the wires in bundle inside clamp, locking mechanism with releasing features allowing easy opening for installation or modification of the bundles.

Description

Tie-Clamp for Wire Bsndles Technical Suecitleation The present invention relates to plastic clamp (Tie-Clamp) device for supporting electrical wire bundles, in products such as aircraft, maritime or gmund mass transport vehicles, etc where wiring failure could lead to catastrophic events (i.e.
fire, smoke etc).
They combine safety features protecting wires against damage with practicality and facility for bundles installation, maintenance and modifications. This type of clamps have constant spring load, forcing the upper arc of the clamp to close (curl) towards bundle, inside clamp. The force is effective until the clamp is in the fully closed position. Red line under locking head when visible indicates un-lock position of the clamp.
Locking mechanism in the locking head, with releasing features, permit easy opening for installation or modification of the bundle. Clamp upper arc (tie portion) with teeth located on external surface avoid any damage to the wire due to vibration or friction.
Silicone rubber cushion on the inner surface of the clamp, accommodate and hold bundle in the plane and avoid any damage to the wires. Wedge feature avoid trapping and pinching wires between upper arc (tie portion) and font portion during overlapping.
Summary of Design Features:
a) Constant spring forceJload, forcing the upper arc of the clamp to close (curl) towards bundle inside clamp. The force is effective until the clamp is in the fully closed position.
b) Red line on the locking head when visible indicates un-lock position of the clamp.
c) Locking mechanism in the locking head, with releasing features, permit easy opening for installation ar modification of the bundle.
d) Clamp upper arc {tie portion) with teeth located on external surface.
e) Silicone rubber cushion on the inner surface of the clamp, accommodate and hold bundle in the place and avoid any damage to the wires.
fj Wedge feature avoid trapping and pinching wires between upper ate (tie portion) and foot portion during overlapping.
g) Internal edges with wire minimum bend radii.
Background of the Invention There are a wide variety of clamps in different shapes and materials that have been used to secure wire bundles to a mounting surface and/or structure. Many of these utilized today, have general features to secure bundles through the complex hardware (screws, washers, bolts, etc) and accommodate single bundle diameter per clamp size.
When bundle size is under internal (less than) clamp diameter additional features need to be add (i.e. tape wrap layer) to adjust bundle diameter in accordance with clamp size.
While each of these types of cable clamps possess certain desirable characteristics, they also fail in certain installation and safety desirable characteristics. One major desirable feature that is lacking in all of these types of cable clamps is their complexity for bundles installation, maintenance and rework, demanding excessive amount of time and more important, lack of preventing wire damage under clamp when subjected to extreme, but permitted environmental stressars such as temperatures and vibration.
Author: Glamoclija Peter Tie-Clamn for Wire Bundles Summary of the Invention It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a cable clamp, "Tie-Clamp" with combination of features needed for easy installation, maintenance, rework and still safety hold bundles in place avoiding damage to the wires. In order to be useful for intended applications, the Tie-Clamp incorporate all of these desirable characteristics, providing enhanced safety for the bundles installed with Tie-Clamp's, and allowing easy installation, maintenance and rework.
Summary of Design Advantage:
a) Easy installation, removal and rework of the wire harnesses.
b) Adjustable diameter to accommodate different sizes of the bundles.
c) Visual (positive) indicator of the lockluniock position.
d) Constant spring force secure bundle inside clamp even if locking mechanism fail.
e) No tools for installation, one screwdriver for rernovaUrework.
f) No need of wrap layers under clamp to adjust bundle diameter.
Z

Brief Description of the Drawings FIGURE 1 is general ISO perspective view of a "Tie-Clamp" and fixtures embodying the concept of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is general ISO perspective view of a "Tie-Clarnp" with identification of components as follow:
a) Base (foot) portion of the '"Tie-Clamp"
b) Mounting hole c) Locking head with locking and releasing mechanism d) External locking teeth e) Flexible upper arc (tie portion with constant spring load) f) Silicon rubber elastomer g) Visual un-locking indicator h) Silicon rubber wedge FIGURE 3 is lateral cross section of the "Tie-Clamp" showing overlapping and locking head.
FIGURE 3A is locking head with locking and releasing mechanism FIGURE 4 is lateral ISO view of the '"Tie-Clamp"
Author: Glamoclija Peter 3

Claims

1. A wire bundles clamp, denominated Tie-Clamp, for securing wires in bundle or branches configuration comprising:
One-piece thermoplastics or plastic body member, having rigid base (foot) with mounting hole and locking head, and flexible upper arc (tie portion) of the clamp to hold and accommodate different bundle sizes.

2. A Tie-Clamp for wire bundles, in accordance with claim 1 further comprising constant spring force/load, forcing the upper arc (tie portion) of the clamp to close (curl) towards wire bundle inside clamp.

3. A Tie-Clamp for wire bundles, in accordance with claim 2, wherein the body portion comprising inner surface silicone rubber cushion layer of the clamp, to accommodate and hold bundle in the place and avoid any damage to the wires.

4. A Tie-Clamp for wire bundles, in accordance with claim 3 comprising locking teeth located on external surface of the upper arc (tie portion) to make locking function inside locking head.

5. A Tie-Clamp for wire bundles, in accordance with claim 4 comprising on the base (foot) portion of the clamp, lcoking mechanism in the locking head, with releasing features to permit easy opening.

6. A Tie-Clamp for wire bundles, in accordance with claim 5 comprising bellow locking head visual indicator (red line) to indicates un-lock position of the clamp.

7. A Tie-Clamp for wire bundles, in accordance with claim 6 comprising wedge feature to avoid trapping and pinching wires between upper arc (tie portion) and foot portion during overlapping.