Crimping Collar Structure for High-Holding Security Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security cables lack the ability to securely lock objects in place, especially during transportation, as the connection between the cable and crimping collar is prone to failure under tension, requiring separate tie-downs for stability and theft prevention.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly featuring a crimping collar with specific openings to securely engage multiple cable segments, and a security cable with a plastically-deformable central core and wire groups, allowing for enhanced shape retention and increased tensile strength, along with a coupling mechanism for locking the cable ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional crimping collar is used to secure the cable, then the cable connection is simple to manufacture, but the connection point fails under tension before the cable itself
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into multiple segments or sections that can independently engage with different parts of the cable structure. This segmentation allows each segment to distribute tension forces across different areas, preventing any single point of failure and significantly increasing both the strength and reliability of the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar employs composite construction combining multiple materials with different properties - such as a rigid outer shell for structural strength and a flexible inner lining for cable grip. This composite approach creates a connection that can withstand higher tensile loads while maintaining reliable engagement with the cable, solving the problem of premature connection failure.
2Strength
If a single opening collar design is used, then the device complexity is low, but the cable cannot be securely engaged at multiple points
Solution Approach 1:
The collar incorporates multiple openings or engagement points distributed along its length, allowing the cable to be secured at several locations simultaneously. This multi-point engagement distributes mechanical stresses and prevents cable slippage, enhancing engagement strength without requiring a completely redesigned complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed with multiple openings that can accommodate different cable configurations and routing requirements. This multi-functional design allows the same collar structure to securely engage cables in various orientations and applications, increasing engagement strength while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity through standardized features.
3Ease of operation
If conventional security cables are used, then the cable structure is simple, but the cables cannot provide sufficient twisting or bending to tightly secure objects
Solution Approach 1:
The cable incorporates a flexible outer sheath or coating that allows the cable to bend, twist, and conform to complex shapes while maintaining its structural integrity. This flexible shell enables the cable to be manipulated into tight configurations for securing objects, while the underlying core structure maintains sufficient strength to hold the load securely.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable uses a composite construction with a flexible outer layer for bendability and a high-strength core for load-bearing capacity. This allows the cable to be easily twisted and bent into secure configurations while the reinforced core ensures that the securing strength is sufficient to hold objects firmly in place, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and 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 increased holding force and weight capacity, improving the security and stability of objects during transportation by distributing tensile force effectively and maintaining shape retention, thus preventing unauthorized movement or theft.
Implementation Method 1
The cable includes a plastically-deformable central core having shape retention characteristics
Implementation Method 2
The collar is crimped or swaged to the cable and is securely engaged with the first, second and third segments of the cable
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a cable assembly includes a collar and a cable. The collar includes a first opening, a second opening and a third opening, each of which extends through the collar along a longitudinal dimension of the collar. The cable includes a looped end and a first cable segment extending through the first opening, a second cable segment extending through the second opening, a third cable segment extending into the third opening, and a fourth cable segment forming a loop between the first and second cable segments. The collar is crimped or swaged to the cable and is securely engaged with the first, second and third segments of the cable. In another emobodiment, a twistable security cable may include a cable assembly and a coupling device. In such forms, the cable may include a central core, two or more wire groups positioned about the central core, and an outer coating. The central core is structured to retain a shape to which it is deformed, and each of the wire groups includes two or more braided or twisted wires. The coupling mechanism is structured to selectively retain first and second ends of the cable in close proximity to one another.