Anchor Clamp with Spring-Loaded Pawls for Steel Core Tensioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of GAP-type conductors requires mechanical compression of the steel core, which hampers assembly and prevents further tensioning once the core is immobilized with the outer sleeve, necessitating external compression machines and limiting flexibility in cable positioning.
Innovation Solution
An anchor clamp with conical pawls and a spring mechanism that allows the steel core to be tensed and fixed without external compression, using a latch to retain the core and clamp the aluminium strands for electrical connection, enabling adaptation to various core diameters and facilitating tensioning before mechanical compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external compression machines are used to compress the steel core, then the steel core can be mechanically fixed, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the compression function from external machines and integrates it into the anchor clamp itself through spring-loaded conical pawls that automatically compress and fix the steel core when the cable is tensioned, eliminating the need for separate external compression equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor clamp performs self-compression through its spring mechanism that automatically engages with the steel core when tension is applied to the cable, allowing the device to fix itself without requiring external compression machines or complex assembly procedures
2Reliability
If the steel core is compressed with the outer sleeve, then the conductor is fixed, but further tensioning becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fixation mechanism into two independent parts: conical pawls that grip the steel core separately from the outer aluminum sleeve, allowing the steel core to be tensioned and fixed independently while the outer sleeve remains uncompressed and flexible for electrical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded conical pawls provide a dynamic compression force that engages with the steel core only when needed for fixation, allowing the core to move freely during tensioning and then lock into position, providing both tensioning flexibility and secure fixation
3Reliability
If the anchor clamp is compressed mechanically, then the steel core is fixed, but the positioning flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded during assembly but kept disengaged from the steel core by a blocking element, allowing the cable to be positioned and tensioned first, and only after the desired position is achieved does the spring engage to lock the core in place, providing positioning flexibility before fixation
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
Eliminates the need for external compression machines, allowing for flexible positioning and tensioning of the steel core, simplifying the fixation process while ensuring secure mechanical and electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that pushes the conical pawls towards the core
Implementation Method 2
having a rough interior while being completely smooth on the exterior; therefore, the cable core that passes therethrough is retained
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An anchor clamp for steel core cable, which provides the use of pawls (4) mounted on a pawl-holder body (5) defining a rod on which a thrust spring (10) is positioned which pushes the pawl (4) assembly inside the housing (31), intended for mechanically securing the core (2) and for connecting at the opposite end to a piston (6) having a connecting member (64) for securing it to a coupling point. The body (7) of the clamp has an electrical connection plate (8) at its front end and defines a front zone (71) that is fixed in the piston (6) and a rear zone (73) that is fixed above the cable (1) conductors on clamping it on said cable. The pawl-holder body (5) is initially blocked by a screw (12) that maintains this part in a forward position wherein the pawls (4) allow the cable core (2) to slide freely in both directions, before being stretched and placed in the desired position, wherein the pawls are unblocked so as to secure the core (2) in the sheath (3).