Elastomer Coupling for Flexible Cable Drawing Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for pulling cables into tubular bodies with narrow radii are limited by the relative bending stiffness of the rod element and draw-in spring tip, making it difficult to traverse curves with small radii without compromising the flexibility of the system.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a coupling element with a receptacle aligned along the longitudinal axis, made of elastomer, which captively connects the rod element and allows for the transmission of tensile forces through the entire casing, combined with limited bending elasticity to facilitate passage through narrow radii without compromising flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a threaded rod and threaded sleeve coupling is used to transmit large tensile forces, then the tensile force transmission capability is improved, but the bending stiffness increases and the ability to traverse narrow radii deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the coupling element from rigid (metal threaded rod and sleeve) to flexible (elastomer), while maintaining the tensile force transmission capability through the elastomeric material's elastic properties. This allows the coupling element to bend around narrow radii while still transmitting the required tensile forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure where the coupling element is made of elastomer material that combines flexibility for bending with sufficient tensile strength for force transmission. The rod element with plastic sheathing and glass fiber core is also a composite structure that provides both flexibility and strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the draw-in spring tip is designed for flexibility to pass through narrow radii, then the adaptability to traverse curves is improved, but the tensile force transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the coupling element to elastomer, which provides both the required flexibility for traversing narrow radii and sufficient tensile strength for force transmission. The elastomeric material's elastic modulus is selected to balance these two requirements.
3Strength
If a long threaded rod is used to transmit large tensile forces, then the tensile strength is improved, but the relative bending stiffness increases and flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to flexible elastomer for the coupling element. This allows the element to maintain tensile strength while being sufficiently flexible to bend around curves in the pipe, eliminating the need for a long rigid threaded rod.
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 error-free traversal of narrow radii in empty pipes while maintaining the flexibility of the rod and coupling elements, ensuring reliable operation even in longer pipes.
Implementation Method 1
the casing being made of an elastomer, that the coupling element in the casing has a receptacle aligned in the longitudinal axis direction of the casing, in which the rod element engages
Implementation Method 2
the coupling element has at least limited bending elasticity. The flexural elasticity ensures that the coupling element moves back to its original extent after passing through a radius
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The apparatus has a shear-rigid and flexurally elastic rod element (1) e.g. glass fiber rod, and a coupling element (4) arranged at an end of the rod element, where the rod element and the coupling element comprise a casing (7). The casing is partially formed in a traction-force-transmitting manner. The coupling element comprises limited bending elasticity, and the casing is formed from elastomer. The casing interconnects a core and the rod element and/or the core and a connection element (6). Projections are formed as ring elements that are fixedly set on the core.