Movable Cable Bulbing Assembly for Multi-Bulb Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable bulbing apparatuses require cable displacement means to form multiple bulbs along the length of a cable bolt, which is inefficient and limits the process to fixed locations.
Innovation Solution
A cable bulbing apparatus with a movable bulbing assembly, including hydraulically operated clamp sets and pinions, that allows for the formation of multiple bulbs along the cable bolt length without the need for cable displacement means, utilizing proximity sensors and encoders for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed cable bulbing assembly is used, then the bulbing process can be performed at a stable location, but cable displacement means are required to form multiple bulbs which reduces efficiency and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the fixed bulbing assembly into a movable one that can travel along the cable length. The assembly includes wheels or rollers that enable it to move to different positions, eliminating the need for cable displacement mechanisms. This dynamic configuration allows multiple bulbs to be formed by simply repositioning the assembly rather than moving the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the cable through a fixed bulbing assembly to create multiple bulbs, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the bulbing assembly stationary relative to the cable and moving the assembly itself along the cable length. This reversal of motion eliminates the complex cable displacement means required in traditional systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable displacement means are used to form multiple bulbs, then bulbs can be positioned at different locations, but the process becomes less flexible and more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The movable bulbing assembly can be quickly repositioned along the cable length to different desired locations. This dynamic positioning capability provides flexibility in bulb placement while significantly reducing the time required compared to traditional methods that require cable displacement and repositioning for each bulb.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for preliminary positioning of the bulbing assembly at desired bulb locations before the actual bulbing process begins. This enables efficient planning and execution of multiple bulbs at predetermined positions, reducing overall processing time while maintaining positioning flexibility.
3Productivity
If a movable bulbing assembly is used, then multiple bulbs can be formed efficiently without cable displacement, but the assembly requires additional components for movement control
Solution Approach 1:
The movable bulbing assembly incorporates pneumatic or hydraulic actuators to provide controlled movement along the cable length. These power transmission systems enable smooth, precise positioning of the assembly without requiring complex mechanical displacement mechanisms, thereby improving multi-bulb formation efficiency while managing the added complexity through standardized actuation systems.
4Measurement precision
If proximity sensors and encoders are added for precise control, then bulb positioning accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates proximity sensors and encoders that provide real-time feedback on the bulbing assembly's position and the bulb formation process. This feedback mechanism enables precise control and positioning accuracy by continuously monitoring and adjusting the assembly's location, while the use of standard sensor technologies helps manage the overall system complexity.
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 and flexible formation of multiple bulbs along the cable bolt length, improving the efficiency and versatility of the bulbing process by allowing the bulbing assembly to move and form bulbs at various locations without repositioning the cable.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator for providing the relative movement between the first and second clamp sets, the actuator being fixedly mounted to the base and in moving engagement with the second clamping means. In particular embodiments, the actuator is preferably hydraulically or electrically powered.
Implementation Method 2
The bulbing assembly may include a set of pinions in gearing engagement with the parallel racks for enabling the bulbing assembly to move along the cable bolt and form multiple bulbs.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable bulbing apparatus having a frame (1) and securing means (3) for holding at least a portion of a cable bolt (4) with respect to the frame (1). The apparatus also includes a bulbing assembly (5) which is releasably engagable with the cable bolt (4). The assembly (5) is movable relative to the frame (1) to enable one or more bulbs to be formed along the cable bolt length.