Wire Restraint Devices

Wiring restraint devices used on all DOD aircraft are limited to polyester tying tape and plastic cable straps. They are applied at set intervals along the cabling to constrain the wire elements into a discrete, tight bundle, thereby minimizing its vulnerability to various types of damage. However, these methods are problematic in that they can be difficult to apply, constrain the cable too loosely or tightly, and lack suitability for areas with challenging environmental requirements. Innovative Dynamics proposes to develop an alternative wire restraint method based on the use of advanced tape-like self-fusing silicone material that is rapidly applied to aircraft wiring in the form of a durable rubber band. During the Phase I program two silicone band designs were developed and tested in the laboratory for strength and survivability. A design optimization task will be performed in the Phase II effort to optimize material properties and down select a preferred mechanical embodiment. The Phase II program will culminate with the demonstration of an optimized fiber re-enforced rubber band material, and a specialized application tool to apply it to cabling for wide use in either factory harness assemblies or in-situ aircraft installations.