Resilient Liner and Rigid Sleeve for Cable Splice Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing electrical transmission cables often require temporary splices due to the inability of permanent splices to withstand the tension and flexibility needed during cable installation, leading to additional installation and removal steps.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an elongate, hollow, resilient liner and a rigid sleeve that compresses against the cable splice to distribute stress concentrations, allowing for the use of permanent splices during installation by protecting the splice and cable ends from bending and tension forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent splices are used during cable installation, then the splice structure is simplified and installation time is reduced, but the splice cannot withstand the tension and bending forces required during installation
Solution Approach 1:
A protective device comprising a resilient liner and a rigid sleeve is introduced as an intermediary between the permanent splice and the installation environment. The rigid sleeve distributes bending stresses away from the splice junction, while the resilient liner absorbs tension forces, enabling the permanent splice to withstand installation forces without compromising its structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device is installed over the permanent splice before cable installation begins, providing beforehand cushioning against the tension and bending forces that will be applied during the pulling operation. This pre-protection allows the permanent splice to survive the installation process without requiring temporary splices
2Ease of operation
If temporary splices are used during cable installation, then the cable can be pulled into position, but additional installation and removal steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device serves as an intermediary that enables permanent splices to function during installation, eliminating the need for temporary splices and their subsequent removal, thus reducing installation time while maintaining installation flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device changes the mechanical parameters (stress distribution and force absorption) at the splice location, allowing the permanent splice to withstand installation forces that would otherwise exceed its capacity, thereby eliminating the need for temporary splices
3Strength
If the splice is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the splice strength is improved, but the cable cannot be bent over sheaves during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is segmented into two distinct components with different mechanical properties: a rigid sleeve that maintains splice strength and distributes bending stresses, and a resilient liner that absorbs tension forces and allows cable flexibility. This segmentation enables both rigid splice strength and flexible cable bending to coexist during installation
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the protective device have different local qualities: the rigid sleeve provides localized stress distribution at the splice junction, while the resilient liner provides localized force absorption along the cable length. This local differentiation allows the splice to remain strong while the cable maintains its flexibility for bending over sheaves
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 the use of permanent splices throughout the installation process, reducing the need for temporary splices and simplifying the installation by distributing stress concentrations, thus preventing damage to the splice and cables.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate, hollow, resilient liner and an elongate sleeve, wherein the liner is advantageously longer than the sleeve... the sleeve compresses the liner against the cable splice at the corresponding junction whereby a stress concentration at the junction upon a bending of the cables relative to the splice during the forced curvature of the cables is distributed away from the junction
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for supporting a permanent cable splice during installation of one or more connected electrical transmission cables. The device includes one or more liners adapted to be affixable over at least portion of the permanent cable splice including the ends of the splice and one or more sleeves mountable over at least a portion of each of the one or more liners. A method is further provided for installing electrical transmission cable including connecting the second end of a first cable to the first end of a second cable using a permanent splice, affixing one or more liners over at least a portion including the ends of the permanent cable splice, assembling one or more sleeves over at least a portion of each of the one or more liners, pulling the first cable, permanent splice and second cable over one or more sheaves along the installation travel path.