Integrally Formed Cable Guard with Rotational Stops
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable guards for protecting cables in tubing strings are complex, costly, and prone to damage due to multiple interconnecting parts, requiring specialized equipment for assembly, and are not easily reusable or adaptable to different configurations.
Innovation Solution
A cable guard comprising an integrally formed base and ring that are rotatably and removably connected with serrated flange nuts for quick installation and removal, featuring compressible non-slip teeth and rotational stops to prevent detachment and improve gripping force without the need for specialized assembly tools, and can be easily manufactured and adapted for various cable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple interconnecting parts and fasteners are used in cable guards, then the cable guard can be securely attached to tubing strings, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (base, clamp, hinge rod, u-bolt, fasteners) into a single integrally formed cable guard body with built-in attachment features. The cable guard includes integrated gripping elements, attachment protrusions, and structural components that were previously separate parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining attachment security through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrally formed cable guard serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects cables, attaches to tubing strings, provides gripping force through built-in teeth, and enables quick release mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If specialized equipment is used for assembly of cable guards, then the cable guard can be properly installed, but the ease of operation decreases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guard incorporates self-aligning and self-assembling features through its integral design. The attachment protrusions automatically align with receptacles on the tubing string, and the built-in gripping elements self-adjust during installation. This eliminates the need for specialized assembly equipment and allows workers to install the cable guard using simple manual operations, greatly improving ease of operation while ensuring proper installation quality.
3Reliability
If traditional cable guards are used, then cables are protected from damage, but the adaptability to different configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guard incorporates a quick-release mechanism that allows the cable guard to be easily removed and repositioned along the tubing string. This dynamic capability enables the same cable guard design to be adapted to different cable configurations, tubing diameters, and well conditions, greatly enhancing versatility while maintaining continuous cable protection during operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex manufacturing steps are used, then the cable guard can be produced with high precision, but the productivity decreases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple components into a single integrally formed body, the patent enables the entire cable guard to be manufactured in one molding or casting operation. This eliminates multiple machining, assembly, and quality inspection steps required for traditional multi-component designs, thereby increasing manufacturing productivity and reducing costs while maintaining precise dimensional control through modern integral manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable guard (20) for enclosing and protecting at least one cable (34) extending alongside a tube (28) comprising, a base (22), a ring (24), and a u-bolt (124), the base (22) has hinge receivers (72 and 74) to receive hinge pins (106 and 108) for rotatably and removably connecting base (22) and ring (24), and the ring (24) includes u-bolt receivers (70 and 71) for rotatably and removably connecting u-bolt (124) and ring (22), the ring (22) includes ring rotational stops (200 and 202) to prevent over rotation and uncontrollable detachment of the base (22) and ring (24); the base (22) includes u-bolt slots (116 and 118) and the ring (24) includes u-bolt leg receivers (144 and 146) for cooperating with the u-bolt slots (116 and 118) and receiving the u-bolt legs (140 and 142) in the base (24), whereby the cable guard (20) is assembled, at least one cable (34) is enclosed, the cable guard (20) is mounted, and the u-bolt (124) is tensioned by tightening the nuts (148 and 150) and as tension increases along with respective reactive forces the cable guard (20) is frictionally engaged to tube (28).