Segmented Contact Pad Tensioner for Mixed-Diameter Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elongated body tensioners require multiple units to prevent slipping and are inefficient in space and weight usage, especially when handling elongated bodies with varying diameters.
Innovation Solution
A single elongated body tensioner design with adjustable contact pads that accommodate differences in diameter by tilting and using resilient materials to evenly distribute pressure across multiple elongated bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one elongated body tensioner is used to pull multiple elongated bodies simultaneously, then space usage and device complexity are reduced, but the ability to prevent slipping and accommodate varying diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pads are divided into multiple segments arranged in rows, with each segment capable of independently contacting an elongated body. This segmentation allows each segment to apply localized pressure to prevent slipping while accommodating variations in diameter across different elongated bodies within the same tensioner device.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact pads are designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing them to adapt their position and orientation dynamically. This enables the tensioner to accommodate elongated bodies with varying diameters while maintaining sufficient contact pressure to prevent slipping, resolving the contradiction between using fewer tensioners and maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If contact pads are made rigid to provide stable support, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate diameter variations and distribute pressure evenly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pads incorporate movable elements that can adjust their position and orientation in response to variations in elongated body diameter. This dynamic capability allows the pads to maintain stable structural support while adapting to different diameters and distributing pressure evenly across the contact surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact pads are designed with adjustable parameters such as position, orientation, and potentially material properties, allowing them to change their characteristics to accommodate varying diameters. This enables the pads to maintain both structural strength and adaptability to different elongated body 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
Enables simultaneous and efficient pulling of multiple elongated bodies with varying diameters without slipping, reducing the need for multiple tensioners and optimizing space usage.
Implementation Method 1
the one, and/or another of the first and the second contact pad is configured to accommodate a possible difference in diameter of the at least two elongated bodies
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an elongated body tensioner, configured to pull at least two elongated bodies along in a direction of movement. The tensioner comprises a first and a second track each comprising a plurality of first and second contact pads. The first and second track are mutually arranged such that the at least two elongated bodies can be squeezed in between one or more pairs of one first contact pad and one second contact pad. In a pair, one of the first and the second contact pad is a receiving contact pad configured to receive the at least two elongated bodies that are positioned next to each other in a direction transverse to the direction of movement. In a pair, the one, and/or another of the first and the second contact pad is an accommodating contact pad configured to accommodate a possible difference in diameter of the at least two elongated bodies to avoid reducing contact force between the at least two elongated bodies and the contact pads. The elongated body tensioner may be used in a tensioning system, provided on a laying vessel.