Cable Gripping Collar Release for Pipe Splitter Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe bursting methods face difficulties in decoupling the cable from the pipe splitter due to the strong coupling caused by pulling forces, making it challenging to disengage the cable from the pipe splitting assembly efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A cable locking assembly with a cable gripping device and a jack mechanism that provides a mechanical advantage coupling, allowing for easy disengagement of the cable from the pipe splitter by breaking the interference fit between the cable gripping device and the collar, using a jack to multiply the input force and overcome the locking engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the cable is tightly coupled with the pipe splitter during pulling operations, then the pulling force is effectively transmitted, but the cable becomes difficult to decouple from the pipe splitter after use
Solution Approach 1:
The cable retention system is divided into separate functional components: a cable gripping device with teeth that engages the cable, a collar that holds the gripping device, and a jack mechanism that controls the engagement. This segmentation allows the system to provide strong cable retention during pulling while enabling easy release by actuating the jack to disengage the gripping device from the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable gripping device transitions from a static tight coupling to a dynamic controllable engagement. The jack mechanism allows the gripping device to be actively engaged with the cable during pulling operations and then actively disengaged afterward, transforming the coupling state from permanent to temporary and controllable.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical advantage coupling is used to enable easy cable disengagement, then the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jack mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the operator and the cable gripping device. It provides mechanical advantage to amplify the operator's input force, enabling easy disengagement of the cable without requiring direct manual force on the tightly coupled cable-gripper interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical advantage coupling is designed to be self-contained within the collar assembly, with the jack mechanism integrated into the existing structure. The system uses its own internal components to provide the force multiplication needed for release, without requiring external heavy equipment or additional tools.
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 quick and efficient disassembly of the pipe splitting assembly from the cable, reducing the need for heavy equipment and labor, allowing a single user to disengage the cable with hand tools, thereby simplifying the process and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a jack mechanism that provides a mechanical advantage coupling, allowing for easy disengagement of the cable from the pipe splitter by breaking the interference fit between the cable gripping device and the collar, using a jack to multiply the input force
Data Source
AI summary
A cable retention and release mechanism includes a cable gripping device including a cable passage. A cable extends through the cable passage. A cable gripping device collar is movably coupled around the cable gripping device. An outer cable gripping device surface is seated against a cable gripping device receiving inner surface preventing movement of the cable gripping device relative to the cable gripping device collar. The cable gripping device receiving inner surface clamps the cable gripping device on the cable and prevents sliding movement of the cable. A jack is movably coupled with the cable gripping device collar. In a first engaged position the jack is engaged against the cable gripping device proximal end. In a second engaged position the jack unseats the outer cable gripping device surface from the cable gripping device receiving inner surface and releases the clamping of the cable.