Hand-Powered Cable Pushing Tool With Drive And Tension Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for installing fiber optic cables into ducts are costly and time-consuming, particularly in complex installations, as they require manpower, are limited in length, and often rely on motorized or battery-powered machines that are expensive and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A hand-powered pushing tool with a drive wheel and tension wheel system that propels cables into ducts without the need for motors or batteries, utilizing a rotatable handle and adjustable cable guides to facilitate efficient cable insertion and reduce slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional motorized or battery-powered machines are used to propel cables into ducts, then the cable installation can be achieved, but the equipment becomes costly and heavy to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motor or battery pack from the cable propelling device, extracting the heavy power source component while retaining the essential mechanical propelling function through manual operation of the drive wheel and tension wheel system
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-powered device allows the operator to directly provide the propelling force through manual rotation of the handle, eliminating the need for external power sources and making the system self-sufficient without motors or batteries
2Productivity
If pressurized fluid or blown gas methods are used to install cables, then cable propulsion is achieved, but the installation is limited to short lengths within ducts
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs adjustable tension wheels that can be dynamically modified during operation to maintain optimal cable grip and tension over extended distances, allowing the operator to adapt the mechanical advantage ratio as the cable progresses through long duct runs
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is pre-positioned and guided through the drive wheel and tension wheel system before propelling begins, ensuring proper alignment and initial tensioning that enables sustained propulsion over long distances without losing cable control
3Productivity
If winch rope methods are used to pull cables, then cable installation is possible, but the technique requires manpower at both ends of the duct and is limited to short lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for a second person or winch rope system by concentrating all propelling functions in a single hand-operated device that pushes the cable from one end only, removing the complexity of coordinated two-end operations
Solution Approach 2:
The drive wheel and tension wheel system acts as a mechanical intermediary that converts manual rotational input into linear cable propulsion force, providing mechanical advantage that allows one operator to propel cables through long ducts without assistance
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 tool allows for efficient and cost-effective installation of cables into ducts, reducing the need for extensive manpower and minimizing equipment costs, while enabling longer cable lengths to be installed with ease, especially in complex and buried installations.
Implementation Method 1
a tension wheel configured to interact with the drive wheel such that an orifice is formed between the tension wheel and the drive wheel, the orifice configured to receive the cable. Upon rotation of the rotatable handle, the drive wheel interacts with the tension wheel to propel the cable into the duct
Data Source
AI summary
A pushing tool for propelling cable into a duct. The pushing tool includes a drive wheel that is coupled with a base and a rotatable handle. A first cable guide and a second cable guide are configured to hold the cable. A duct guide is configured to hold the duct. Furthermore, a tension wheel is configured to interact with the drive wheel such that an orifice is formed between the tension wheel and the drive wheel, the orifice being configured to receive the cable. Upon rotation of the rotatable handle, the drive wheel interacts with the tension wheel to propel the cable into the duct.