Automated Cable Breakout Assembly for Towed Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing systems require multiple cables to connect multiple vehicles or bodies to a vessel, increasing complexity and cost, and are prone to cable damage and towed body rotation due to rotational stiffness.
Innovation Solution
An automated cable breakout assembly (ABA) that uses a tow ball with embedded connectors to rotationally align with a tow socket, allowing for automated interconnection at any midpoint of a single tow cable, reducing the need for human intervention and minimizing cable damage and towed body rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple tow cables are used to connect multiple vehicles to a vessel, then each vehicle can be connected reliably, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate tow cables into a single integrated tow cable with multiple connection points. The automated breakout assembly allows multiple vehicles to be connected to one cable rather than requiring separate cables for each vehicle, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable connections through automated alignment and engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The single tow cable is designed with universal connection capability to serve multiple vehicles simultaneously. The breakout assembly provides multi-functional connection points that can interface with different vehicle types, allowing one cable to perform the function previously requiring multiple dedicated cables
2Reliability
If multiple tow cables are used to connect multiple vehicles to a vessel, then each vehicle can be connected reliably, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the function of multiple cables into a single cable system. By using one tow cable with automated breakout assembly instead of multiple separate cables, the quantity of cable material required is reduced while connection reliability is maintained through the automated engagement mechanism
3Device complexity
If a single tow cable is used to connect multiple vehicles, then complexity and cost are reduced, but cable damage and towed body rotation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The breakout assembly incorporates self-aligning mechanisms that automatically orient the connection points correctly as vehicles are attached. This self-service alignment function prevents misalignment damage to the cable and connectors while maintaining the simplicity benefits of a single-cable system
Solution Approach 2:
The breakout assembly is pre-configured with alignment features and guide structures that prepare the connection points for proper engagement before the vehicle attaches. This preliminary positioning prevents harmful rotation and misalignment during the connection process
4Device complexity
If a single tow cable is used to connect multiple vehicles, then complexity and cost are reduced, but towed body rotation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The breakout assembly uses self-aligning mechanisms that automatically correct orientation as vehicles connect to the single cable. This self-service function prevents unwanted rotation and maintains stable towed body orientation without adding system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features are built into the breakout assembly in advance to guide vehicles into correct orientations before attachment. This preliminary action prevents rotational instability during the towing operation while keeping the single-cable simple architecture
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 ABA enables efficient and reliable connection of multiple vehicles or bodies to a vessel using a single tow cable, reducing complexity and cost, while ensuring minimal risk of cable damage and towed body rotation, and allowing for signal transmission at various points along the cable.
Implementation Method 1
The cam follower engages the cam to cause axial rotation of the tow ball
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (900) of engaging an automated breakout assembly (210) includes receiving (905), by a tow socket (230) having a rotatable sleeve (720) and multiple mating connectors (420), a cable (205) into the tow socket through a slot. The cable comprises a tow ball (305). Each mating connector is electrically coupled to an electrical conductor. The method includes receiving (910), by the rotatable sleeve, the randomly-aligned tow ball through an entrance. The method includes rotating (915) a cam (725) configured to rotate the rotatable sleeve to substantially align the mating connectors of the tow socket with connectors (520) of the tow ball such that each electrical conductor electrically coupled to a mating connector couples to a corresponding connector of the tow ball. The method includes transferring a tow loading force between the cable and the tow socket by moving the cable.