Cable Recovery Traction Module for Variable Diameter Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable recovery machines struggle with adjusting to varying cable diameters and shocks caused by joints, requiring external piloting systems and leading to process interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A cable recovery machine with a traction module featuring idler wheels that automatically adjust to cable diameter and thickness, using actuators to maintain constant pressure and absorb shocks, allowing continuous operation without interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional winch-brake machines are used to recover cable, then the cable can be drawn, but the machine cannot automatically adapt to varying cable diameters and requires external piloting systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the idler wheels movable rather than fixed. The idler wheels are positioned on supports that can move relative to the frame, allowing the traction module to dynamically adjust to varying cable diameters. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for external piloting systems while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The traction module performs self-adjustment through the movable idler wheels that automatically adapt to the cable diameter without requiring external control systems. The system serves itself by using the cable's own dimensions to position the idler wheels correctly, eliminating dependency on external piloting.
2Reliability
If fixed idler wheels are used in the traction module, then the structure is simple, but the machine cannot absorb shocks from joints and maintains inconsistent pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The supports for the idler wheels are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to absorb shocks when joints pass through the traction module. This dynamic capability ensures continuous operation without interruptions while maintaining relatively constant pressure on the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable supports act as a cushioning mechanism that anticipates and absorbs shocks from joints before they cause interruptions. By allowing the idler wheels to move on their supports, the system prepares for potential shocks from joints, ensuring continuous operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the space between traction wheels and idler wheels is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different cable diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The space between the traction wheels and idler wheels is made dynamic through the movable supports. As the cable with varying diameter passes through, the idler wheels move on their supports, automatically adjusting the space to match the cable diameter without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The traction module automatically adjusts the space between wheels to fit the cable diameter without external intervention. The movable supports enable the system to self-adjust based on the cable's dimensions, eliminating the need for complex external adjustment mechanisms.
4Productivity
If traditional brake stations are used to release new conductor, then the process is simple, but it causes process interruptions when reels need to be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous laying operations by coordinating the traction module with multiple reel holders. When one reel is exhausted, the system can switch to another reel without stopping the laying process, maintaining continuous useful action and eliminating interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple reels are prepared in advance on different reel holders. When the current reel is exhausted, the system can immediately switch to a pre-positioned reel, performing the reel change in advance of the actual need and maintaining continuous operation.
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 machine efficiently adapts to varying cable diameters and absorbs shocks, ensuring continuous cable recovery operations with consistent pressure, eliminating the need for external piloting systems and reducing process interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
each of the idler wheels is provided with a support connected in a mobile manner and by means of a rotation pin to the frame of the traction module and provided with a corresponding actuator configured to press each of the idler wheels against the cable that passes between them and the traction wheels
Implementation Method 2
The traction wheels transmit the speed and the torque required for traction to the cable, while the idler wheels press the cable against the traction wheels with the correct pressure, so as to generate the correct friction on the cable for traction operations
Data Source
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AI summary
Cable recovery machine, comprising at least one traction module (12) configured to hold and draw at least one cable (11), in particular of a cable laying plant; the traction module (12) comprises a frame (14) on which one or more traction wheels (15) and one or more idle wheels (16) are positioned; between the traction wheels (15) and the idle wheels (16) a space is defined for the passage and traction of the cable (11) to be recovered; the idle wheels (16) are provided with a support (20) connected in a mobile manner to the frame (14) of the traction module (12) and provided with actuators (21) configured to press the idle wheels (16) against the cable (11) that passes between them and the traction wheels (15), so that the space between the idle wheels (16) and the traction wheels (15) can be automatically adjusted on the basis of the external diameter (Dl, D2) or thickness of the cable (11) drawn.