Grip mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling mechanisms for high tensile cables in curtain systems fail to securely hold the lifting cable due to excessive forces, leading to slipping and uneven hanging, particularly in windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A grip mechanism with an elongate body featuring a longitudinal groove and fixing points, such as grub screws, securely clamps the draw and lifting cables together, ensuring a slight deflection to maintain even curtain operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rope grip is used to couple the lifting cable and draw cable, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the grip mechanism slips under excessive force leading to unreliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The grip mechanism is divided into multiple fixing means (first pair of fixing means and second fixing means) distributed at different locations along the elongate body. This segmentation allows the force to be distributed across multiple contact points, preventing slipping while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different fixing means are positioned at specific locations along the elongate body to create localized grip points. The first pair of fixing means and the second fixing means are arranged to provide varying local pressure distribution along the cable contact surface, optimizing grip reliability without requiring a completely complex mechanism.
2Strength
If a single fixing point is used in the grip mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the cable slips under high tensile loads and wind forces
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing means are segmented into multiple discrete locations along the elongate body. The first pair of fixing means are positioned at one location while the second fixing means is positioned at another location, creating multiple independent grip points that collectively withstand high tensile loads and wind forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing means are distributed not only along the length of the elongate body but also at different circumferential positions (first pair on one wall, second pair on the opposite wall). This multi-dimensional distribution of fixing points creates a more robust grip that resists slipping under various loading conditions.
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 grip mechanism effectively prevents slipping of lifting cables on draw cables, ensuring uniform curtain movement and improved stability under high loads.
Implementation Method 1
the grip mechanism effectively prevents slipping of lifting cables on draw cables
Implementation Method 2
A grip mechanism with an elongate body featuring a longitudinal groove and fixing points, such as grub screws, securely clamps the draw and lifting cables together
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A grip mechanism 32 for clamping first and second cables together, said grip mechanism comprising an elongate body 34 having a longitudinal groove 36 extending therethrough, the grip mechanism 32 further comprising: - a pair of first fixing means 44 located in a wall of said body 34, and extending therethrough to said longitudinal groove 36, each of said first fixing means 44 being located in spaced apart relation along the length of said body 34; and - a second fixing means 46 located in a wall of said body 34, substantially diametrically opposite said wall in which said first fixing means 44 are provided, and extending therethrough to said longitudinal groove 36, said second fixing means 46 being located along the length of said body 34, between the locations of said pair of first fixing means 44; the grip mechanism 32 further comprising a slit or channel 38 extending along and through the wall of said body 34, said slit or channel 38 being communicably coupled to said longitudinal groove 36.