Submerged Cable Support Module with Internal Locking Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing equipment for maintaining cables along submerged pipelines faces challenges during assembly and use, including complex robot interventions, potential cable unlocking due to external lever contact, and hindrance to robot movement, especially when passing through rollers, which complicates the installation of multiple cables.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a one-piece module that integrates centering, positioning, and locking functions, featuring a profiled base with a cradle channel and tilting locking lever, designed to eliminate external protrusions and facilitate robot passage, comprising two main components: the module and the locking lever, which are easily coupled and manipulated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking lever with external protrusions is used to secure cables, then cable locking reliability is improved, but robot movement is hindered and cable unlocking risk increases due to external contact
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is nested within the base structure, with its articulation zone and movement path contained within the base volume. The lever pivots inside a dedicated cavity, eliminating external protrusions that would interfere with robot movement while maintaining secure cable locking through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide structure acts as an intermediary between the locking lever and the cable, providing a controlled path for the lever's movement and ensuring proper positioning without requiring external protrusions. The guide channel constrains the lever's motion and mediates the locking action internally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are positioned using separate guide structures, then cable positioning capability is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains the locking lever mechanism, guides cable positioning, and integrates the articulation zone. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate guide structures for each cable while maintaining the ability to position multiple cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever, guide structures, and base are merged into a single integrated component. The lever and guides are not separate attachable parts but are formed as one piece with the base, reducing the number of components from multiple separate pieces to a unified structure that handles multiple cables.
3Strength
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then cable securing strength is improved, but assembly and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever, articulation zone, and base are merged into a single monolithic component manufactured in one piece. This eliminates the need for separate fastening operations and reduces assembly steps while maintaining strong cable securing through the integrated structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows the base to automatically provide all necessary structural support and guidance functions without requiring additional fastening components or assembly operations. The single-piece construction self-provides the structural integrity and positioning functions that would otherwise require multiple separate components.
Data Source
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Figure 9~13
AI summary
The invention relates to a support device for positioning cables along submerged pipeline-type pipes, comprising a profiled base in the form of a module (M), which includes a base (10), a cradle-shaped channel (11) for receiving the cable (CA), which is arranged in the longitudinal center axis (xx) of the module and parallel to the axis (yy) of the pipe (C), the module ensuring the functions of centering and positioning relative to and on the pipe (C), and of receiving and hinging a second means in the form of a swiveling locking lever (13), and enabling attachment of a clamping collar around the pipe. The device is characterized in that the module (M) is designed to position and guide a clamping collar around the pipe (C) and, in a plane perpendicular to the cradle-shaped channel (11), comprises an opening (12) defined between pairs of profiled protruding bearing surfaces (14) spaced apart and arranged in pairs opposite the cradle (11), which enable the clamping collar to be positioned and attached therebetween and relative thereto, and which further enable said locking lever (13) to pass through, be guided, hinged, protected and locked in two positions in order to attach or release the cable, the locking lever swiveling about the axis of the cable between the two pairs of bearing surfaces (14), such as to be capable of closing or opening the access to the cable, the exterior shapes of the module and the bearing surfaces belonging thereto being capable of eliminating any projecting portion capable of forming anchoring portions, the support device thus comprising two components, the module (M) and the locking lever (13).