Actuated Wedge Socket Assembly for Wire Rope Termination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wedge socket assemblies for wire ropes face inefficiencies in achieving full strength termination due to manual assembly methods that can result in unbalanced loading and reduced efficiency, especially with high-strength wire ropes that are stiff and difficult to bend around the wedge during assembly.
Innovation Solution
An actuated wedge socket assembly with a fork assembly and threaded bolt mechanism that mechanically moves and seats the wedge and wire rope to a controlled depth within the socket, using readily available tools to ensure uniform loading and increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual assembly methods are used to install wedge socket assemblies, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to unbalanced loading and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized assembly tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the wedge socket assembly. This tool includes a forked member that engages the wedge and a threaded rod that applies controlled mechanical force, ensuring uniform loading during assembly while maintaining operational simplicity through the tool's guided mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces uncontrolled manual hammering or forcing methods with a controlled mechanical system consisting of a threaded rod and forked member. This mechanical substitution provides precise, uniform force application that ensures proper seating of the wedge and wire rope without the variability of manual assembly techniques
2Strength
If high-strength wire ropes are used to increase strength, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to stiffness and difficulty in bending
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly tool acts as a mediator that reduces the physical effort required to manipulate stiff high-strength wire ropes. The forked member engages the wedge and the threaded rod provides mechanical leverage, allowing operators to easily seat the rigid wire rope and wedge assembly without excessive force or difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic assembly mechanism where the threaded rod can be rotated to progressively apply force and seat the wedge and wire rope. This dynamic approach allows controlled manipulation of the stiff high-strength wire rope through incremental mechanical action rather than requiring extreme force all at once
3Device complexity
If conventional assembly methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly tool serves as a simple intermediary device that dramatically reduces assembly time. The forked member and threaded rod provide a straightforward mechanical mechanism that quickly seats the wedge and wire rope without complex automation, achieving high productivity through a relatively simple tool design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the time-consuming manual manipulation steps from the assembly process by introducing a dedicated tool that performs the seating action in a single controlled motion. The tool takes out the inefficiency of manual forcing and hammering, replacing it with a purpose-designed mechanism that completes the assembly task rapidly
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 actuated mechanism enhances the efficiency of wire rope terminations by uniformly seating the wedge and wire rope, achieving higher load-carrying capacity and ease of assembly, particularly for high-strength wire ropes, while allowing for both new and existing assembly applications.
Implementation Method 1
An actuated wedge socket assembly with a fork assembly and threaded bolt mechanism that mechanically moves and seats the wedge and wire rope to a controlled depth within the socket
Implementation Method 2
The taper of the wedge and the taper of the inside of the basket or socket combine so that when tension is put on the wire rope, the wedge is pulled by the wire rope and firmly held in place
Implementation Method 3
The taper of the wedge and the taper of the inside of the basket or socket combine so that when tension is put on the wire rope, the wedge is pulled by the wire rope and firmly held in place
Data Source
AI summary
An actuated wedge socket assembly. The assembly includes a wedge socket having an elongated hollow basket with a large opening at a first end, a small opening at an opposed second end, and an open interior cross-section tapering from the large opening to the small opening. A wedge includes a large end, an opposed small end, and a peripheral groove to receive a wire rope therein. A mechanism is provided to mechanically move and seat the wedge and the wire rope in the wedge socket to a controlled depth.