Friction-Based Cable Locking Mechanism for Rapid Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing steel cables are either time-consuming, require cumbersome tools, or use materials like polymer webbing that are vulnerable to abrasion and chemical degradation, limiting their strength and durability for temporary installations.
Innovation Solution
A metal cable locking mechanism that allows the cable to pass through in one direction but grips it when attempted to be removed, using a housing with a tapering internal cavity and a spring-biased wheel to prevent withdrawal, with a releasing device to ungrasp the cable when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clips, clamps, sleeves or crimp fittings are used to affix steel cable to objects, then the cable can be securely fastened, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires cumbersome tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems (crimp fittings, clamps requiring tools) with a simple friction-based locking mechanism. The conical surface and segmented collar create a self-locking friction fit that secures the cable without requiring any tools or additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-service by allowing the cable to insert itself into the conical cavity and automatically lock through friction between the cable surface and conical ramp. The segmented collar segments flex and expand to grip the cable automatically without requiring external actuation or tools.
2Ease of operation
If polymer webbing is used in ratchet straps for securing objects, then the apparatus can be lightweight and easy to operate, but the material becomes vulnerable to mechanical abrasion, chemical attack, and heat degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction combining a steel cable core with a polymer locking mechanism. The steel cable provides resistance to mechanical abrasion, chemical attack, and heat degradation, while the polymer components (housing, conical surface, segmented collar) provide ease of operation and self-locking functionality. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its superior properties to the overall system.
3Reliability
If pin tumbler lock mechanisms are used to lock cable into position, then the cable can be securely locked, but the mechanism becomes more complex and expensive to fabricate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex pin tumbler lock mechanism with a simple friction-based self-locking system. The conical surface and segmented collar create a mechanical advantage through friction and geometry, eliminating the need for pins, tumblers, springs, or keys. The cable itself becomes part of the locking mechanism through its interaction with the conical ramp, dramatically simplifying the overall device.
4Reliability
If traditional cable fastening methods are used that require special tools, then secure fastening can be achieved, but the ease of operation in field conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-service by allowing the cable to insert itself into the conical cavity and automatically lock through friction between the cable surface and conical ramp. The segmented collar segments flex and expand to grip the cable automatically without requiring external actuation or tools, enabling field operation by any person without special training or equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tool requirement entirely from the fastening process. By designing a system where the cable itself interacts directly with the conical surface and segmented collar to create friction-based locking, the invention removes the need for any external tools, making the operation as simple as inserting and pushing the cable into place.
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 secure fastening and unfastening of steel cables without special tools, providing a strong and durable hold suitable for harsh environments, while minimizing wear and ensuring the cable's strength is maintained.
Implementation Method 1
a wheel and spring means are positioned within said internal cavity, said spring means biasing said wheel toward a narrower end of said internal cavity
Implementation Method 2
The wheel is wedged between the cable and an internal cavity ramp whenever a force is applied to the cable attempting to withdraw the cable
Implementation Method 3
The wheel is wedged between the cable and an internal cavity ramp whenever a force is applied to the cable attempting to withdraw the cable
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a metal cable locking mechanism for allowing the cable to pass through the locking mechanism in one direction but grips the metal cable when it is attempted to be removed from the locking mechanism in the opposite direction. The locking mechanism includes a housing having a through passageway for receiving the cable, a tapering internal cavity, wherein a wheel and spring are positioned within the internal cavity, the spring biasing the wheel toward a narrower end of the internal cavity. The wheel is wedged between the cable and an internal cavity ramp whenever a force is applied to the cable attempting to withdraw the cable. A releasing device can be manually inserted into a slot passage to force the wheel away from the narrower end of the internal cavity so that the locking mechanism will ungrasp the cable.