Friction Lock Spreader Bar for Aircraft Cable Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spreader bars are cumbersome, difficult to use, and not easily adaptable for distributing loaded cables, particularly in aircraft loading systems, as they require time-consuming cable connections and adjustments, and are heavy and not suitable for various loading arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A spreader bar with an elongated shaft and friction locking cable couplings, featuring a curved engagement surface and pivots, which securely hold cables using static friction, allowing for quick and easy adjustments and reduced cable count, enabling lighter and more compact designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional spreader bars are used to distribute loaded cables, then cable distribution function is achieved, but the device becomes heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader bar is divided into modular components including an elongated shaft with multiple mounting locations, allowing the cable couplings to be selectively positioned. This segmentation enables a lighter design while maintaining operational flexibility through reconfigurable cable distribution arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable couplings are designed with movable and adjustable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration of cable attachment points along the elongated shaft. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for heavy fixed structures while maintaining ease of operation for various cable distribution scenarios.
2Reliability
If traditional cable connection methods are used, then secure cable attachment is achieved, but the process becomes time consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable couplings are pre-configured with friction locking mechanisms and positioning features that enable rapid secure attachment. The elongated shaft includes pre-established mounting locations that guide cable placement, eliminating time-consuming alignment and securing operations while maintaining reliable cable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical fastening systems requiring multiple steps are replaced with friction-based locking mechanisms. The curved engagement surfaces create automatic friction locks that secure cables quickly without requiring complex fasteners or multiple operational steps, reducing connection time while maintaining attachment security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional spreader bar designs are used, then structural strength is maintained, but adaptability to various loading arrangements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated shaft serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the spreader bar length, and acts as a guide rail for positioning cable couplings. This multi-functionality increases adaptability to various loading arrangements without adding structural complexity, as the same component fulfills multiple roles in different configuration scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable couplings are designed with adjustable positioning capabilities along the elongated shaft, allowing the spreader bar to adapt to different cable distribution patterns and loading arrangements. This dynamic reconfigurability provides versatility for various applications without requiring complex structural modifications, maintaining simple yet adaptable design.
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 simplifies cable distribution, reduces the number of cables needed, and allows for adaptable positioning, resulting in a lighter, more efficient, and safer loading system for aircraft recovery, with improved worker safety and reduced bulk.
Implementation Method 1
static friction between the cable and the curved engagement surface of the block holds the cable against the block when the cable is received between the pair of pivots and the curved engagement surface of the block
Data Source
AI summary
A spreader bar includes an elongated shaft. A pair of friction locking cable couplings is mounted to elongated shaft. Each friction locking cable coupling includes a block with a curved engagement surface and a pair of pivots mounted to the block. The curved engagement surface of the block is shaped such that a cable is bent between the pair of pivots and the curved engagement surface of the block and static friction between the cable and the curved engagement surface of the block holds the cable against the block when the cable is received between the pair of pivots and the curved engagement surface of the block.