Cable Locking Element Using Radial Deformation for Compact Belt Junctions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable locking solutions are bulky, prone to cable wear, and require complex and time-consuming installation processes, especially in applications like conveyor belt junctions, where they fail to provide adequate tensile resistance and are incompatible with space-constrained environments.
Innovation Solution
A cable locking element with grooved supports and an anchoring member that creates radial deformation of the cable, minimizing bulk and wear, and allowing for easy installation without specialized tools, using a single anchoring member to combine tightening and anchoring functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional cable clamps are used to prevent cable slippage under tensile force, then sufficient tightening is achieved, but the fastening element becomes bulky and incompatible with space-constrained applications
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into two separate functional components: a clamping device for securing the cable to the support, and a cable locking device for preventing cable slippage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall volume while maintaining tensile resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable locking device utilizes radial deformation of the cable (perpendicular to the cable axis) to create locking action, rather than relying solely on longitudinal clamping force. This dimensional change allows for more efficient space utilization and reduced locking element volume.
2Reliability
If contact surfaces of supports are configured with relief or roughness to increase friction forces, then adhesion between cable and clamping interface is improved, but cable wear is accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The cable locking device converts the potential harm of cable deformation into a beneficial self-locking mechanism. The radial deformation creates a wedge effect where the deformed cable portion acts as a mechanical key that prevents slippage, providing reliable adhesion without the need for increased friction surfaces that would cause wear.
3Reliability
If conventional cable joining methods are used for conveyor belt junctions, then cable connection is achieved, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized tools and qualified personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The cable locking device is designed to be self-installing without requiring specialized tools or qualified personnel. The deformation tool creates the radial deformation directly during installation, and the locking mechanism engages automatically, eliminating the need for complex preparation steps and specialized installation expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device and cable locking device are merged into a single integrated assembly that can be installed simultaneously. This combination eliminates multiple separate installation steps, reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining connection quality.
4Strength
If cable deformation is created to improve locking, then cable gauge increases locally, but the locking element volume increases to accommodate the deformed portion
Solution Approach 1:
The radial deformation is localized to a specific portion of the cable within the locking element, creating a small bulge that provides the locking action. This localized deformation allows the locking element to maintain a compact size while still achieving the necessary locking strength through the deformed cable portion.
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
The solution provides enhanced tensile resistance, reduces cable wear, and simplifies the installation process, enabling efficient and durable cable locking in space-constrained applications like conveyor belt junctions.
Implementation Method 1
so as to locally create a radial deformation of the section of the portion of the cable
Implementation Method 2
These fastening elements are configured so as to clamp at least a portion of each of the cables between two supports
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a cable locking element (50) intended to be fastened to at least one portion (40) of at least one cable (4), the locking element (50) comprising at least one support (51) on a first side and one support (52) on a second side opposite the first side, the supports (51, 52) being configured to clamp at least the portion of the cable, the supports (51, 52) each having at least one groove (71, 72) together defining at least part of a through-cavity (70) for receiving at least the portion (40) of the cable (4) passing through the locking element (50) between an entrance opening (50A) and an exit opening (50B) aligned according to a reference axis (X), the locking element (50) being characterised in that the cavity (70) receiving the portion (40) of the cable comprises a widened intermediate part (73), between entrance opening (50A) and exit opening (50B) portions, widened radially relative to the entrance opening portion (50A) and the exit opening portion (50B), the locking element (50) comprising at least one anchoring member (80) configured to at least partially occupy a portion (40) of the widened intermediate part (42) of the cavity (70) situated in alignment with the entrance and exit openings (50A, 50B), so as to locally create a radial deformation (45) of the section of the portion (40) of the cable (40).