Synthetic Fiber Cable-to-Rod Joint With Swaged Anchor Nesting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tensile strength rods are compact but lack the mechanical properties of flexible synthetic fiber cables, and hybrid assemblies with these materials face challenges in minimizing bulk at connections, maintaining strength, and retrofitting into existing unitary constructions.

Innovation Solution

A method for creating a hybrid tensile member by attaching an anchor to a synthetic fiber cable and connecting it to a conventional rod through a swaging operation, using standard end features like threaded shafts or J-bends, to minimize bulk and enhance mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a hybrid assembly is created by connecting a flexible cable to a conventional rod segment, then the mechanical properties of synthetic fiber cables are incorporated, but the space efficiency and compactness of conventional rods is lost due to enlarged joint region

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidjoint region volume
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rod segment is nested within the cable clamp assembly, with the rod positioned inside the clamp's cavity. This nesting arrangement allows the rigid rod to be contained within the flexible cable connection structure, minimizing the overall volume of the hybrid assembly while maintaining both the strength benefits of the rod and the flexibility of the cable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the rigid rod segment with the flexible cable clamp assembly into a single integrated hybrid tensile member. The rod and clamp are connected through threaded engagement, creating a unified structure that combines the advantages of both materials while reducing the overall joint volume compared to separate connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If a hybrid assembly is created by connecting a flexible cable to a conventional rod segment, then the mechanical properties of synthetic fiber cables are incorporated, but the complexity of the assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable clamp is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a connector for the flexible cable and as a housing for the rigid rod segment. The same clamp structure that secures the cable also provides a cavity for receiving and securing the rod through threaded engagement, thereby reducing assembly complexity by eliminating the need for separate connection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard end fittings are used for the hybrid construction, then adaptability to existing applications is improved, but the space constraints for retrofitting are not adequately addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrofitting capabilityVSAvoidjoint region volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rod segment is nested within the cable clamp assembly, with the rod positioned inside the clamp's cavity. This nesting arrangement allows the rigid rod to be contained within the flexible cable connection structure, minimizing the overall volume of the hybrid assembly while maintaining both the strength benefits of the rod and the flexibility of the cable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 hybrid assembly achieves strength comparable to conventional rods while incorporating the unique mechanical properties of synthetic fiber cables, allowing for retrofitting into existing designs and providing improved shock resistance and stiffness.

Implementation Method 1

The anchor is used to connect an end of the fiber cable to a length of conventional rod, preferably through the use of a swaging operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwaging: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11884100B2System and method for a practical synthetic fiber tension member to rod connection
Publication Date: 2024.01.30 CAMPBELL RICHARD V
  • US11884100B2 patent drawing
  • US11884100B2 patent drawing
  • US11884100B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for creating a hybrid tensile member combining a synthetic fiber cable and a rigid rod. An anchor is attached to one or more ends of the synthetic cable. The anchor is used to connect an end of the fiber cable to a length of conventional rod, preferably through the use of a swaging operation. Each rod segment includes a standard end feature on its free end—such as a threaded shaft or J-bend. The hybrid assembly can preferably be retrofitted to applications that now use a conventional rod.