Clamping Device Transverse Wedge Arrangement for Hoisting Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping and pulling devices for conveyor ropes in shaft conveyor systems are too tall and require excessive space, making them unsuitable for high rope loads and small rope distances, which can lead to failure and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
The clamping and pulling device features counter-rotating parallel wedge surfaces with upward and downward pointing wedge tips arranged transversely to the conveyor rope, utilizing multiple rolling elements for increased friction and reduced load on individual elements, and a two-part guide element with pivoting cylindrical parts for efficient rope guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If clamping wedges are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor rope, then the device can absorb clamping forces, but the overall height and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging clamping surfaces sequentially in the longitudinal direction (one dimension) to arranging them side-by-side in the transverse direction (another dimension). This dimensional change allows multiple clamping surfaces to operate simultaneously without increasing the overall height, thereby resolving the contradiction between force absorption capability and compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is divided into multiple independent clamping surfaces with upward and downward pointing wedge tips arranged in parallel. Each clamping surface can independently engage with the conveyor rope, distributing the clamping force across multiple contact points in the transverse direction rather than requiring sequential arrangement along the longitudinal axis.
2Device complexity
If two rolling elements are used to transmit all clamping forces, then the device structure is simple, but the rolling elements require large diameters for high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The load transmission function is segmented across multiple rolling elements, each positioned between opposing clamping surfaces. Instead of concentrating all clamping forces on two rolling elements, the force is distributed among several rolling elements arranged in the transverse direction, allowing each element to have a smaller diameter while collectively handling high loads.
Solution Approach 2:
Rolling elements are arranged not only in the longitudinal direction but also in the transverse direction between opposing clamping surfaces. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions increases the total load-bearing capacity without requiring individual rolling elements to have excessively large diameters, maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing strength.
3Volume of moving object
If clamping wedges are made extremely slim for small rope distances, then the device fits in tight spaces, but the risk of engagement failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamping surfaces are arranged side-by-side in the transverse direction rather than requiring extremely slim individual clamping wedges in the longitudinal direction. This dimensional rearrangement allows each clamping surface to maintain adequate thickness for reliable engagement while the overall device remains compact due to the efficient use of transverse space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple clamping surfaces with upward and downward pointing wedge tips that can independently engage the conveyor rope. This redundancy provides a cushioning effect where if one clamping surface experiences engagement issues, others can compensate, thereby preventing catastrophic failure and improving overall reliability without requiring excessive compactness that would compromise individual component dimensions.
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
This design reduces the overall height and space requirements, allows for effective clamping under high loads without increasing rolling element diameters, and ensures reliable operation with high rope loads and small rope distances, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one wedge-shaped clamping surface with an upward-pointing wedge tip and at least one wedge-shaped clamping surface with a downward-pointing wedge tip on each fixed and on each displaceable clamping element
Implementation Method 2
All clamping forces between the clamping wedges are absorbed and transmitted by just two rolling elements
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping and pulling device for the cycled extraction of the hoisting cables of one of the strands of a shaft hoisting system, comprising fixed clamping elements in the longitudinal direction of the hoisting cables and movably arranged clamping elements, wherein two respective opposite movable clamping elements, which surround the hoisting cable in pairs, effect non-positive pressing on the hoisting cable, at least one wedge-shaped clamping surface having an upwardly pointing wedge tip and at least one wedge-shaped clamping surface having a downwardly pointing wedge tip on each fixed and on each movable clamping element, and a drive for moving the movable clamping elements back and forth. In order to create a clamping and pulling device that has a smaller height and is suitable for use on shaft hoisting systems having high cable loads and small cable distances, according to the invention the wedge-shaped clamping surfaces having an upwardly pointing wedge tip and having a downwardly pointing wedge tip are arranged adjacent to each other on each clamping element transversely to the longitudinal direction of the hoisting cable.