Fiber Termination Inspection for Concealed Strand Slippage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lack of reliable and practical inspection methods for synthetic cables, particularly in large-load applications, where the closed nature of terminations prevents visual inspection of the integrity of strands, making it difficult to assess the health of the cables.

Innovation Solution

A termination system with integrated monitoring features that allows for visual inspection and automated monitoring, including the use of marking bands, molded frangible collars, optical distance sensors, and frangible conductors to detect strand slippage and degradation, enabling the determination of strand health without disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a closed termination structure is used to protect and secure the cable strands, then the mechanical strength and protection of the cable is improved, but the ability to visually inspect the integrity of strands is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidinspection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary elements (marking bands, frangible collars, optical sensors) that mediate between the closed termination structure and the inspection process. These intermediaries allow visual and automated detection of strand conditions without requiring the termination to be opened, thus maintaining mechanical strength while enabling inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection of physical strands with automated optical sensing systems. Optical distance sensors and reflectors substitute for human inspectors attempting to visually assess strand integrity, enabling non-intrusive monitoring through the closed termination structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If traditional termination methods are used without monitoring features, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of detecting strand degradation is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates monitoring features (marking bands, frangible collars, sensors) during the termination assembly process itself, rather than adding them later. This preliminary integration ensures that detection capabilities are built into the termination structure from the start, improving reliability without requiring complex post-installation modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent nests multiple monitoring functions within the termination structure. Marking bands are placed on strands, frangible collars are positioned around strand groups, and optical sensors are integrated into the termination housing, creating a nested arrangement where inspection components are contained within the termination assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If automated monitoring systems with multiple sensors are integrated into the termination, then the detection precision of strand slippage is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the monitoring function into discrete, modular components: individual marking bands on specific strands, separate frangible collars for different strand groups, and distributed optical sensors. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high detection precision through multiple targeted measurements while managing complexity through modular design that can be configured based on specific application needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 meaningful and practical inspection of multi-stranded tensile members, allowing for early detection of strand degradation and slippage, thereby ensuring the integrity and safety of synthetic cables in critical applications.

Implementation Method 1

optical distance sensors and reflectors to detect strand slippage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

frangible conductors to detect strand slippage and degradation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFracture mechanics: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentUS11592353B2Method of inspecting and monitoring a fiber termination

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 CAMPBELL RICHARD V

AI summary

A system for monitoring the performance of a multi-stranded tensile member where a portion of the strands are concealed within a termination. The invention provides a monitoring system that allows the user to determine when one or more of the strands has degraded to a point of concern. In some embodiments the monitoring system depends on visual inspection and in other embodiments the monitoring system is automated.