Electric Tensioner with Angled Guide Boxes for Cable Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tensioners for winding/unwinding elongate elements like cables, hoses, and pipelines are complex to operate and require tedious frame opening for element introduction, with intricate maneuvering systems that are often hydraulic and difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A tensioner design featuring a frame with central and lateral guide boxes, where the lateral guide boxes are angled between 115° and 125°, driven by motorized wheels and rocker elements, allowing for simple and rapid clamping and movement of elongate elements with electric actuation, reducing complexity and enhancing maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the frame is closed to withstand clamping forces, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to open the frame for element introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into movable lateral guide boxes that can be independently positioned. The lateral guide boxes can be moved outward to create opening space for element introduction, then repositioned to form a closed configuration for clamping, resolving the contradiction between needing the frame closed for strength and open for element introduction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional maneuvering means are used, then the control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic maneuvering systems with a simplified electric motor-driven mechanism. The motorized wheel with guide chain and lateral guide box positioning system provides adequate control capability while significantly reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements compared to conventional hydraulic systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lateral guide boxes are positioned at specific angles (115°-125°), then the reception tolerance is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral guide boxes are designed with movable positioning capability rather than fixed angular positions. This dynamic positioning allows the guide boxes to be adjusted to the optimal 115°-125° angle range for different element sizes, providing high reception tolerance while the adjustment mechanism accommodates manufacturing tolerances through its range of motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A tensioner for the controlled clamping and forward movement of an elongate element, in particular for winding/unwinding a cable, a hose, a pipeline or an umbilical on a reception member. The tensioner comprises at least one frame that carries three guide boxes arranged around a passage axis. This tensioner comprises means for maneuvering these guide boxes, in particular second maneuvering means for the maneuvering in rectilinear, or at least substantially rectilinear, translation of lateral guide boxes, respectively in a direction defining an angle of between 115° and 125°, and preferably between 118° and 122°, with respect to said central plane. These second maneuvering means comprise at least one rocker element comprising a proximal end mounted so as to pivot on said frame and a distal end mounted so as to pivot on said lateral guide box, respectively about rotation axes extending parallel to said passage axis.