Cable Locking Device With Flexible Jaw Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable locking devices require tools for adjustment and unlocking, are limited in accommodating various wire sizes, and struggle with providing a secure yet easily releasable grip, especially in seismic conditions and wide-angle loading scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A cable locking device with a flexible jaw carrier and wedge-shaped jaws that distribute stress across multiple axes, allowing for tool-free unlocking and secure grip adjustment, featuring a secondary locking mechanism and a design that reduces stress concentration through orthogonal load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a jam cleat or locking mechanism is used to secure the cable, then the cable grip security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because tools are required for unlocking and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The cable locking device incorporates a self-release mechanism where the cable itself can be used to unlock the device. By pulling the cable in the direction of the locking mechanism, the cable disengages the locking balls from the notched surface, allowing adjustment without external tools. This resolves the contradiction by making the system self-servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state through cable movement. The locking balls can engage with or disengage from the notched surface based on cable tension and movement, providing both secure locking and easy release capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If a single-size cleat is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because it cannot accommodate various wire sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The cable locking device is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate cables of various diameters. The locking mechanism and housing are configured to work with different cable sizes without requiring different cleat designs, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving versatility.
3Strength
If a rigid carrier is used to house the locking balls, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the carrier cannot be easily manipulated for release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible carrier made of material that can deform under cable tension. This flexibility allows the carrier to be easily manipulated for release while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through its material properties and design configuration.
4Reliability
If the locking mechanism is designed for secure grip, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from complex multi-component mechanisms and implements it through a simplified system using locking balls and a notched surface. This reduction in complexity while maintaining seismic resistance and reliable grip.
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 easy, one-handed operation even with gloves, provides a secure grip across various wire sizes, and maintains stability under seismic conditions without the need for tools, while being compact and aesthetically pleasing.
Implementation Method 1
wedge-shaped jaws that distribute stress across multiple axes
Implementation Method 2
flexible jaw carrier and wedge-shaped jaws that distribute stress across multiple axes
Data Source
AI summary
A device is used for gripping and securing cable for the purpose of suspending objects or loads. The device may be a two-barrel device that allows the user to create a loop of cable to secure to a hanging load, or to a structural member. The user of the locking device feeds the cable through one barrel, around an object to be suspended, and through the other barrel. The device has carriers installed in sockets in a housing, with wedge-shape jaws in openings in the carriers able to engage the cable and hold the cable within the device. Pushing or pulling of the carrier is used to release the spring force pressing the jaws inward, allowing the cable to be removed from the device.