Barrier Cable Coupler With Threaded Wedge Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrier cable couplers lack an efficient mechanism for securely coupling and tensioning barrier cables, which can lead to instability and potential failure in restraining vehicles and pedestrians.
Innovation Solution
A barrier cable coupler design featuring a coupler body with fixed and tensioning retaining collars, wedges, and a tensioning nut, allowing for secure engagement and adjustable tensioning of cable ends through a tapered inner surface and threaded mechanisms, enhancing stability and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing barrier cable couplers are used, then the structure is simple, but the retention security and tensioning capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler body is divided into multiple functional sections: a fixed retaining collar section for securing one cable end, and a tensioning retaining collar section for securing the other end with adjustable tension. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally, improving overall reliability while keeping the design modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining collars are positioned within the coupler body in a nested arrangement, with the fixed retaining collar and tensioning retaining collar both contained within the coupler body structure. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and creates a compact, integrated design that improves retention security without excessive complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing barrier cable couplers are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the tensioning adjustability and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning retaining collar is designed to be movable along the coupler body, allowing dynamic adjustment of cable tension after installation. The collar can be positioned at different locations to achieve the required tension level, then secured in place. This dynamic capability ensures stable cable assembly composition while maintaining reasonable ease of manufacture through a straightforward adjustment mechanism.
3Reliability
If a robust coupling mechanism is implemented, then the retention security improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework, contains both retaining collars, and facilitates cable tensioning. The retaining collars themselves perform dual functions of securing cables and enabling tension adjustment. This multi-functionality approach improves coupling security while minimizing the number of separate components required.
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 solution provides a robust and adjustable mechanism for coupling barrier cables, ensuring secure retention and adjustable tension, thereby improving the stability and effectiveness of barrier cable assemblies in restraining vehicles and pedestrians.
Implementation Method 1
The fixed retaining collar includes a tapered inner surface. The barrier cable coupler also includes one or more fixed end wedges positioned within the tapered inner surface of the fixed retaining collar
Implementation Method 2
The barrier cable coupler includes a tensioning nut. The tensioning nut includes an outer surface, where the outer surface of the tensioning nut is retained to the inner surface of the coupler body
Data Source
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AI summary
A barrier cable coupler for coupling two lengths of barrier cable comprises a coupler body including a threaded inner surface, a first end, and a second end; a fixed retaining collar having an outer surface and being retained to the first end of the coupler body, the fixed retaining collar including a tapered inner surface; one or more fixed end wedges positioned within the tapered inner surface of the fixed retaining collar; a tensioning retaining collar having an outer surface, the tensioning retaining collar positioned at least partially within the second end of the coupler body and including a tapered inner surface; one or more tensioning end wedges positioned within the tapered inner surface of the tensioning retaining collar; and a tensioning nut including a threaded outer surface engaging the threaded inner surface of the second end of the coupler body and retaining the tensioning retaining collar therein.