Cable Decoupling Structure for Drag Chain Impact Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cables in drag chains suffer from reduced service life due to high-energy impacts, mechanical crack propagation, and transmission issues caused by dynamic movements, leading to premature failure and electrical crosstalk.

Innovation Solution

A decoupling means with damping and/or springing force influences is arranged within the towing line, positioned between the line and the wall of the towing string, to absorb impacts and reduce or avoid impulses, using materials like rubber or plastic with structured damping properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cables are guided in cable chains with segmented links, then the cable carrier can accommodate dynamic movements, but the segmented links cause high-energy impacts on each link leading to mechanical crack propagation and reduced service life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic movement accommodationVSAvoidcable service life

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A decoupling element is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable and the cable chain links. This decoupling element absorbs impacts from the links and prevents direct force transmission to the cable, thereby protecting the cable from mechanical damage while allowing the cable chain to maintain its dynamic movement capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The decoupling element is positioned in advance within the cable path to cushion upcoming impacts before they reach the cable. By being pre-positioned between the cable and the moving links, it absorbs shock energy before it can cause mechanical crack propagation in the cable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Speed

If cable carrier links strike the guide table during unwinding motion, then the cable carrier can change position dynamically, but the impact energy is transferred to the cable causing mechanical damage and transmission errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable carrier movement speedVSAvoidimpact energy on cable

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The decoupling element serves as a mediator that intercepts impact energy from the moving cable carrier links before it reaches the cable. It absorbs the shock during dynamic movements and position changes, preventing the transfer of harmful impact energy to the cable while allowing the cable carrier to maintain its speed and mobility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the cable rests against the wall of the drag chain due to gravity and bending, then the cable is supported within the channel, but alternating bending directions create high alternating loads leading to premature failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable support stabilityVSAvoidcable durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The decoupling element is positioned between the cable and the drag chain wall to prevent direct contact. It acts as a buffer that eliminates the alternating bending stresses caused by the cable resting against the wall during dynamic movements, thereby reducing high alternating loads while still providing support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The decoupling element can be designed as a flexible component that conforms to the cable shape and provides continuous support without creating rigid contact points. This flexible support structure prevents the cable from experiencing alternating bending directions while maintaining stability within the channel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

This solution delays or prevents premature cable failure, reduces transmission problems, and minimizes insulation deficiencies, ensuring reliable data transmission by effectively absorbing energy from impacts and maintaining line integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a damping and/or springing part is arranged on a side of the wall facing outwards with respect to the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

damping and/or springing force influences

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3647640B1Decoupling medium

Publication Date: 2023.11.29 HOCHSCHULE TRIER TRIER UNIV OF APPL SCI

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

In a decoupling means for damping and/or cushioning forces acting on a line (12) within a dragline (14), the decoupling means (10) surrounds at least one line (12) such that at least one section of the decoupling means (10) is arranged between the line (12) and a wall (16) of the dragline (14). A damping and/or cushioning part (11) of the decoupling means (10) is arranged on a side (17) of the wall (16) facing outwards with respect to the channel (18).