Cable Gripper Jaw Assembly With Assisted Wedge Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping systems for wire ropes or rods face challenges in initiating the gripping force between tapered jaws and the pulling wire, requiring a modest external force to wedge the jaws effectively.
Innovation Solution
The gripping assembly incorporates tapered jaws and a jaw block with a sliding guide plate and spring mechanism, allowing the jaws to be easily positioned and removed from the jaw block, facilitating the application and removal of gripping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If tapered jaws are used to grip wire ropes or rods, then gripping force is improved, but difficulty in initiating the gripping action increases
Solution Approach 1:
A wedge-shaped tool serves as an intermediary device to initiate the gripping action. The wedge is inserted between the tapered jaw and the wire rope, and when hammered in, it forces the jaw against the wire rope to start the gripping process. After initiation, the wedge is removed and the gripping force is maintained by the spring mechanism alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-compressed during assembly, storing potential energy that is ready to be converted to gripping force. This preliminary action eliminates the need for continuous external force application once the gripping is initiated.
2Reliability
If tapered jaws are tightly fitted in the jaw block, then gripping reliability is improved, but ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics allowing controlled movement. During installation, the jaw can be temporarily positioned with clearance for easy insertion. Once installed, spring force automatically engages the jaw with the tapered cavity to create a tight fit for reliable gripping. The same mechanism facilitates removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assembly is segmented into separable components (jaw, spring, guide plate) that can be independently installed and removed. This segmentation allows the jaw to be easily detached from the jaw block when installation or removal is required, while maintaining tight engagement during operation.
3Productivity
If spring mechanism is added to maintain gripping force, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is designed to be self-regulating and automatically maintains gripping force without external control. The spring compresses and expands based on the jaw position and load, providing continuous gripping force adjustment. This self-service capability improves operational efficiency while adding minimal complexity compared to active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is merged with the existing tapered jaw and guide plate structure. The spring, piston, and guide plate work together as an integrated assembly that combines force generation, motion guidance, and jaw actuation into a single cohesive mechanism, minimizing additional 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
This design enables efficient gripping and release of wire ropes or rods, allowing for easy installation and removal of the jaws, thereby improving the operational efficiency of gripping systems.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting plate subassembly contains a spring, a spring piston and a sliding guide plate wherein the spring piston and the guide plate are linked via a pin to maintain relative motion thereby passing spring forces to the guide plate
Implementation Method 2
The tapered jaw has one tapered surface. The tapered cavity comprises at least one tapered surface complementary to the tapered surface of the tapered jaw
Data Source
AI summary
A cable gripping assembly. The gripping assembly has two jaw assemblies for gripping and pulling a cable. Each jaw assembly has a jaw block with a tapered cavity, and a jaw subassembly which fits within the tapered cavity to grip a cable when frictional forces, caused by a hydraulic cylinder or other actuator, force the jaws into the tapered cavity. The jaw subassembly has a guide plate, which carries pins affixed to the jaws. The guide plate is ordinarily allowed to move the pins along angled slots in a jaw plate. However, when actuated by a plunger, the guide plate and pins are forced to a widest point of the angled slots, maintaining the jaws in an open position, allowing for easy removal of the strand from the gripping assembly.