Deformable Clamping Apparatus for Cable Gland Armour
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable gland clamping devices often fail to provide a reliable mechanical and electrical connection due to the need for multiple cone sizes to accommodate different types of armour layers, leading to potential misalignment and increased risk of connection failure.
Innovation Solution
A clamping apparatus with a deformable second part, comprising an annular body and inserts, allows for secure clamping of a range of armour thicknesses using a single apparatus, maintaining constant length and enabling consistent torque application, while the deformable component adjusts to various armour types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cone sizes are provided to accommodate different armour types, then the adaptability to various armour layers is improved, but the device complexity increases and the risk of misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping cone is made deformable through provision of a resilient element (spring) that allows the rigid clamping cone to dynamically adjust its position and contact pressure. This enables a single cone design to adapt to different armour types and thicknesses while maintaining reliable electrical connection, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size cones.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the clamping cone from rigid to deformable by incorporating a resilient element. This parameter change allows the cone to vary its dimensional characteristics (position, contact pressure) to match different armour layer thicknesses, providing adaptability without increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cone sizes are provided to accommodate different armour types, then the adaptability to various armour layers is improved, but the reliability of connection decreases due to potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element enables the clamping cone to dynamically compensate for variations in armour layer thickness through elastic deformation. This ensures consistent electrical contact pressure and alignment across different armour types, maintaining connection reliability while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element acts as a pre-compression mechanism that beforehand compensates for dimensional variations in armour layers. By pre-loading the spring, the system is prepared to absorb variations in armour thickness, ensuring reliable electrical connection from the outset regardless of armour type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tapering gap between cone and clamping ring is used to accommodate different armour types, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in determining secure connection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a visual indicator mechanism that changes the observable state (position, color, or configuration) to indicate when secure clamping has been achieved. This allows operators to easily determine connection status without complex measurements, maintaining adaptability while improving ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the position of cone and clamping ring varies with armour type, then the adaptability to different armour types is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element absorbs dimensional variations caused by different armour types through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning of the clamping cone. This dynamic compensation reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining adaptability to various armour configurations.
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 ensures reliable clamping of various armour thicknesses with a single apparatus, maintaining consistent torque application and facilitating easy identification of a secure connection, while allowing for reusability of cable gland parts.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of said second part is deformable in response to clamping of the armour layer between said first and second parts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A clamping apparatus (26) for clamping an armour layer of a cable is disclosed. The clamping apparatus comprises a first part (28) defining a first aperture (32) for receiving one or more elongate cores of a cable and defining a first surface (34) for engaging an armour layer of the cable. A second part (36) comprises an annular body part and an insert (37) adapted to be located in the annular body part, wherein the second part defines a second aperture for receiving the elongate core and the armour layer and defines a second surface (40) for engaging the armour layer. The first and second parts are adapted to clamp the armour layer therebetween such that said first and second surfaces engage the armour layer, and at least part of said second part is deformable in response to clamping of the armour layer between the first and second parts.