Non-Circular Dead-End Cable Fittings for Secure Grip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dead end fittings with circular internal profiles struggle to securely grip cables with non-circular external profiles, such as flat drop cables, due to inadequate surface contact area, leading to reduced holding strength and potential slippage.
Innovation Solution
The development of dead end fittings with elongated members featuring arcuate portions and helical legs that form a non-circular internal profile, matching the external profile of non-circular cables, creating a double helix structure for enhanced gripping capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional dead end fittings with circular internal profile are used, then the fitting structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the surface contact area with non-circular cables is insufficient leading to reduced holding strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the helical leg cross-section from circular to non-circular (e.g., elliptical, rectangular, or custom-shaped) to match the external profile of non-circular cables. This asymmetric design allows the fitting to conform to the cable's shape, maximizing surface contact area and improving holding strength while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If conventional circular helical legs are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the gripping capability on non-circular cables is inadequate due to mismatched profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the cross-sectional shape of the helical legs while keeping the overall helical structure and manufacturing process similar to conventional fittings. The local change in profile shape (from circular to non-circular) provides improved gripping capability for non-circular cables without requiring a complete redesign of the manufacturing process.
3Area of stationary object
If the internal profile is changed to non-circular to match cable shape, then surface contact area increases improving grip security, but the fitting design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases surface contact area by designing the helical leg cross-section with an asymmetric or non-circular profile that matches the cable's external shape. This could be an elliptical profile for oval cables, rectangular for flat cables, or custom shapes for figure-8 cables, thereby maximizing the contact surface while the overall fitting design remains relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are dead end fittings for securing cables with a non-circular external profile. The dead end fittings include an arcuate portion, a first helical leg that extends from one end of the arcuate portion, and a second helical leg that extends from an opposite end of the arcuate portion. Each of the first and second helical legs define a non-circular internal profile that matches the non-circular external profile of the cable.