Compression Cable Coupling for Slip-Free Drain Cleaner Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable couplings for high-speed drain cleaning equipment either lack field serviceability or require specialized tools for attachment, leading to potential cable weakness or slip during operation.
Innovation Solution
A cable coupling design comprising a ferrule, compression die, adapter die, and threaded nut cap that creates a compression fit without needing a crimping tool, allowing for easy attachment and detachment using readily available tools, ensuring constant torque transfer and preventing cable slip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a cable coupling uses set screws to fasten the cable to a rotatable drive member, then the assembly is field serviceable and allows cable repair and replacement, but the cable may be weakened by resulting stresses or may slip in the coupling during operation if the set screws are not torqued to an appropriate torque range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the set screw mechanical fastening system with a compression fitting system that uses a compression tool to apply controlled radial compression force to the cable through a compression element. This substitution eliminates the need for precise torque control of set screws while maintaining reliable cable attachment and field serviceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from axial clamping by set screws to radial compression by a compression element. The compression tool applies controlled radial compression force to deform the compression element and create a secure fit around the cable, transforming the attachment parameter from torque-controlled to compression-force-controlled.
2Reliability
If a cable coupling uses a permanent crimp to attach the cable to a rotatable drive member, then the coupling achieves reliable engagement without cable slip, but the design is not field serviceable and requires a specialized crimping tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, permanent crimp connection into a dynamic, reversible compression connection. The compression element can be compressed to engage the cable securely and then decompressed to release the cable, enabling field serviceability while maintaining engagement reliability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the coupling into separable components: a body portion with a compression element, a compression tool, and a rotatable drive member. This segmentation allows the compression element to be independently compressed and released, enabling reliable engagement during operation while allowing disassembly for field service and cable replacement.
3Reliability
If a cable coupling uses a permanent crimp with specific configuration, then the coupling achieves reliable engagement without sacrificing cable strength, but the user may not have access to a specialized crimping tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the specialized crimping tool system with a compression tool system that applies controlled radial compression. This substitution uses a different mechanical principle (radial compression versus axial crimping) that can be implemented with more accessible tools while preserving cable strength through controlled compression force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from permanent crimping to reversible compression, transforming the operation from an irreversible process requiring specialized tools to a controlled compression process that can be performed with accessible compression tools while maintaining cable strength.
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 solution provides a field-serviceable cable coupling that maintains constant torque transfer, preventing cable slip and weakening, and can be easily assembled and disassembled without specialized tools, enhancing the reliability and usability of high-speed drain cleaning equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a compression die having a proximal end and a distal end, and defining an interior aperture extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the compression die. The compression die further has a threaded region accessible along an outer surface of the compression die.
Implementation Method 2
The ferrule further has at least one inclined surface along an outer region of the ferrule.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable coupling for use with rotating cables is described. The cable coupling comprises a ferrule, a compression die, an adapter die, and a threaded nut cap. In particular versions, the cable coupling is used with high speed drain cleaning cables.