Break-away Hook Assembly for Communication Cable Sagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication cables often collapse or break during severe weather conditions, leading to prolonged disruptions in communication services as utility providers struggle to restore cables under extreme loads.
Innovation Solution
A break-away hook assembly comprising a first member with a threaded segment and a shank, and a second member with a connector that breaks under excessive load, allowing the cable to sag and maintain communication while enabling easier restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hooks are used to suspend communication cables, then the cables remain fixed and taut under normal conditions, but the cables collapse or break under extreme loads during severe weather
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly is divided into two separate members: a first member (P-hook) that provides the suspension function, and a second member (connector with catch) that provides the load-limiting function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to resolve the contradiction between reliability and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-limiting function is extracted from the traditional single-hook design and implemented as a separate break-away mechanism in the connector. This extracted function independently handles extreme loads, allowing the main P-hook to maintain reliable suspension under normal conditions without being compromised by over-stressing during severe weather.
2Strength
If the cable is made stronger to withstand extreme loads, then the cable can resist severe weather, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a sacrificial component that breaks away under extreme loads to protect the more valuable cable infrastructure. This disposable element absorbs the extreme stress events, allowing the main cable system to remain intact and reusable, thereby managing complexity through a simple fail-safe mechanism rather than reinforcing the entire system.
3Reliability
If the cable is allowed to sag under load, then communication can be maintained, but the cable position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that adapts to load conditions. Under normal conditions, the assembly maintains a taut cable position for optimal communication. Under extreme loads, the connector breaks away, allowing the cable to dynamically sag to the ground, preventing damage while maintaining communication integrity through the sagged position.
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 break-away hook assembly minimizes communication disruptions by allowing the cable to sag under excessive load, providing time for service restoration without severing the cable, and facilitating efficient re-suspension by utility providers.
Implementation Method 1
The terminal portion breaks to release the second member from coupled engagement with the first member upon application of a stress applied to the second catch in excess of a pre-established load
Data Source
AI summary
A break-away hook assembly is adapted for installation for use with a low-voltage residential communication cable. A pair of members is coupled. One of the members has a connector with a terminal portion which receives a terminus of the other member. The connector breaks to release the second member from coupled engagement with the first member so that upon application of a stress in excess of a pre-established load, the cable will sag while maintaining the communication integrity of the cable.