Autonomous Cable Lasher With Onboard Torque Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable lashers require manual operation to move along utility and carrier cables, which can be cumbersome due to terrain obstacles and requires a worker to stabilize the device, leading to potential destabilization from torque applied by lashing wires.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous cable lasher with a drive mechanism, power source, and torque compensation mechanism that allows it to move and rotate along cables without manual intervention, using onboard systems to counteract torque and maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a cable lasher is designed to be pulled from the ground, then it can be operated manually with simple construction, but the torque applied by lashing wires causes the frame to rotate and destabilize the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a torque compensation mechanism that applies a counter-torque to balance the torque generated by lashing wires. This counterweight principle stabilizes the cable lasher frame against rotational destabilization, allowing the device to maintain operational stability while retaining relatively simple construction.
2Ease of operation
If a worker pulls the cable lasher from the ground, then the device can be moved along cables, but manual intervention is required which increases labor complexity and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The cable lasher is equipped with an autonomous drive mechanism that enables the device to move along the cables independently without requiring a worker to pull it from the ground. The drive mechanism engages with the carrier cable to propel the cable lasher forward, eliminating manual labor while maintaining ease of operation through automated self-propulsion.
3Productivity
If the cable lasher is made autonomous with drive mechanism, then manual labor is reduced, but the device requires additional onboard systems increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cable lasher integrates multiple functions into unified systems: the drive mechanism serves both to propel the device and to power the lashing operation, while the torque compensation mechanism simultaneously stabilizes the frame and enables autonomous operation. This multi-functionality increases productivity by eliminating manual labor while managing system complexity through integrated design.
4Device complexity
If lashing wires are dispensed on one side only, then the dispensing mechanism is simplified, but the resultant radial force causes continuous rotation and destabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the lashing wire dispensers asymmetrically on opposite sides of the cable bundle, with each dispenser angled to dispense wires in opposite rotational directions. This asymmetric configuration balances the radial forces generated by lashing wires, preventing continuous rotation and stabilizing the cable lasher frame while maintaining relatively simple dispensing mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient, stable, and autonomous attachment of cables by reducing the need for manual labor and stabilizing the device through internal torque compensation, improving operational efficiency and reducing worker fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
an onboard torque compensation mechanism acting on the autonomously movable frame to apply a force for at least partly countering a lashing wire torque applied thereon through the lashing apparatus by the lashing wire being wound about the cables
Implementation Method 2
a pair of drive wheels extending through opposite sides of the carriage frame and in engagement with the carrier cable for propelling the carriage forward along the carrier cable
Data Source
AI summary
The cable lasher comprises an autonomous carriage for moving along cables to be attached to each other, a lashing apparatus rotatably mounted to the carriage and capable of dispensing a lashing wire about the cables in a helical winding pattern as the cable lasher moves along a longitudinal axis and the lashing apparatus rotates to attach the cables to each other. The cable lasher also comprises a channel for receiving the cables, about which the carriage and the lashing apparatus are disposed and extending along the longitudinal axis, a lashing apparatus actuator carried by the frame that rotates the lashing apparatus when the cable lasher moves along the longitudinal axis, and an onboard power source carried by said carriage for powering the advance of the carriage and the rotation of the lashing apparatus. The cable lasher further comprises an onboard torque compensation mechanism acting on the autonomously movable carriage to apply a force for at least partly countering a lashing wire torque applied thereon through the lashing apparatus by the lashing wire being wound about the cables.