Cable Reel Restraint Device With Spherical Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft tie-down and restraint mechanisms are cumbersome, difficult to set up and transport due to long, heavy chains and complex fasteners, and lack uniform preload application, leading to increased size and weight of components.
Innovation Solution
A cable reel restraint device with retractable cables, spring-loaded mechanisms, and spherical bearings for attachment, allowing for easy setup, transport, and uniform preload selection, eliminating the need for ratcheting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional chains with fasteners and ratchets are used for tie-down, then the restraint mechanism provides sufficient holding force, but the device becomes cumbersome, difficult to set up and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is divided into modular components: a retractable cable reel unit that can be independently handled and deployed, separate attachment interfaces at each end, and individual spring preload mechanisms. This segmentation allows the cable to be retracted into a compact reel for easy transport while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical ratcheting system is replaced with a spring-loaded preload mechanism combined with a retractable cable system. The spring automatically maintains tension on the cable, eliminating the need for complex ratchets and manual tensioning operations while providing sufficient holding force.
2Reliability
If traditional chains with fasteners are used, then the restraint mechanism provides secure attachment, but the components become heavy and susceptible to tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid chain is replaced with a flexible cable that can be neatly wound and retracted into a compact reel. This flexible cable maintains attachment security through proper anchoring at both ends while eliminating the tangling problems inherent in loose chains and reducing overall component weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual preload configuration is required for each chain, then the restraint mechanism can be customized, but the setup process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spring preload mechanism is pre-configured with selectable preload magnitudes before deployment. The operator can choose from predetermined spring options or preload settings, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site tensioning and adjustment operations while still allowing customization to match specific restraint requirements.
4Strength
If chain interfaces with fasteners are used, then the connection is secure, but loads become offset and produce local moments increasing component size
Solution Approach 1:
Spherical bearings are used at the attachment interfaces to enable automatic load alignment. The spherical geometry allows the cable attachment points to self-adjust and align with the load path, ensuring forces act through the center of rotation and eliminating offset loads and local moments that would otherwise require larger, more complex components.
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 device provides a portable, easy-to-use, and flexible solution for tie-down applications, ensuring uniform preload across multiple restraints and reducing component size and weight.
Implementation Method 1
The first spring is configured to exert force for preloading the second spring, and the second spring is configured to exert force for retracting the retractable cable.
Implementation Method 2
The first attachment interface is coupled to the cable reel by a first spherical bearing, and the second attachment interface is coupled to the retractable cable by a second spherical bearing.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable reel restraint device comprises a cable reel, a retractable cable, first and second springs, first and second attachment interfaces, and a preload selection control. The retractable cable is configured to extend from and retract onto the cable reel. The first spring is configured to exert force for preloading the second spring, and the second spring is configured to exert force for retracting the retractable cable. The first attachment interface is coupled to the cable reel by a first spherical bearing, and the second attachment interface is coupled to the retractable cable by a second spherical bearing. Moreover, the first and second attachment interfaces are configured for being fastened to first and second attachment points. The preload selection control is configured to select a particular preload magnitude and cause the first spring to preload the second spring with a load of the particular preload magnitude.