Composite Sewer Cable with Resilient Core for Torque and Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sewer cables are excessively heavy, prone to injury risks due to kinking, and poorly adapted for various heads and electrical conductors, which complicates their use in clearing obstructions and increases the risk of electrical shorts.
Innovation Solution
A lighter sewer cable design featuring an elongate central resilient non-metallic core member, an elongate metallic helical coil spring, and a non-metallic spacer with a helical groove, combined with an elongate non-metallic jacket and helical flat wire, allowing for substantial torque transmission while reducing weight and the risk of injury, and accommodating electrical conductors without shorts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional steel helical spring cables are used to transmit substantial torque, then torque transmission capability is improved, but cable weight increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite cable structure combining a non-metallic resilient core (polymer or composite material) with a metallic helical coil spring outer layer. The non-metallic core provides structural support and flexibility without the weight of solid steel, while the metallic coil spring layer provides the necessary torque transmission capability through its elastic properties. This composite approach reduces cable weight while maintaining functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the cable core from traditional steel to non-metallic resilient materials such as polymers or composite materials. This parameter change reduces the density and weight of the cable while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties through careful selection of material characteristics (elasticity, strength, flexibility).
2Power
If close laid windings are used in coil springs to increase torque transmission, then torque transmission capability is improved, but the risk of kinking and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible non-metallic resilient core that acts as a protective shell around the metallic coil spring. This flexible core prevents the coil spring windings from kinking by providing a cushioning layer that absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses, thereby reducing the risk of injury while maintaining torque transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-metallic resilient core serves as a pre-existing cushioning layer that protects the metallic coil spring from direct contact with external forces that could cause kinking. This beforehand cushioning prevents harmful effects before they occur, reducing injury risk while allowing close laid windings for torque transmission.
3Productivity
If conventional sewer cables are used for clearing obstructions, then obstruction clearing capability is maintained, but adaptability to various heads and electrical conductors is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal cable interface system with standardized connection mechanisms that can accommodate multiple types of heads (cutting heads, jetting heads, camera heads) and electrical conductor configurations. The cable incorporates modular components and adaptive connection structures that can be configured for different applications, thereby improving versatility while maintaining obstruction clearing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities in the cable connection system, allowing the cable to adapt its configuration based on the specific head and conductor requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the same cable to be effectively used with various different attachments without requiring redesign, improving both versatility and functional performance.
4Productivity
If conventional sewer cables are used for manual carrying, then obstruction clearing function is maintained, but ease of operation is reduced due to excessive weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of a non-metallic resilient core combined with a metallic coil spring layer, which significantly reduces the overall cable weight compared to traditional solid steel construction. This weight reduction improves ease of manual carrying while the metallic coil spring layer ensures the cable maintains sufficient strength and elasticity for obstruction clearing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material density parameter of the cable by replacing heavy steel construction with lighter non-metallic resilient materials for the core structure. This parameter change reduces the cable's weight per unit length, making it easier to handle and carry manually, while the metallic coil spring layer compensates to maintain necessary mechanical performance for clearing obstructions.
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 new design enables safer, lighter sewer cables that can negotiate tight turns and transmit torque effectively, reducing the risk of injury and electrical shorts, while being compatible with various heads and allowing for efficient clearing of obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate metallic helical coil spring surrounding the core member
Implementation Method 2
an elongate metallic helical coil spring surrounding the core member
Implementation Method 3
an elongate central resilient non-metallic core member
Data Source
AI summary
Cables and associated apparatus for clearing obstructions in pipes or other cavities are disclosed. In one implementation a device for clearing obstructions includes an elongate resilient central core member, an elongate coil spring surrounding the core member; and an elongate spacer positioned between the central core member and the coil spring.