Grooved Belt Cable Threading Accessory for Low-Strain Conduit Pulling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand-held cable/wire threading devices are mechanically complex, difficult to operate, and expensive to manufacture, making them inefficient for pushing and pulling cables/wires through conduits, which can lead to physical strain and injury for electricians.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held threading accessory with a propulsion unit featuring rotating wheels and a grooved belt that enhances friction and retention forces by elastically deforming the belt to securely hold and propel the cable/wire, allowing for efficient pushing and pulling through conduits using a hand-held actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hand-held cable threading devices are used, then the threading function can be performed, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The threading device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a reel for storing the draw-tape, a propulsion unit with drive wheels and grooved belts for pushing the cable, and a retrieval mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a grooved belt as an intermediary element between the drive wheels and the draw-tape. The grooved belt engages with the draw-tape to transmit force effectively, simplifying the interaction between the mechanical propulsion system and the cable being threaded. This intermediary reduces the complexity of direct mechanical engagement.
2Productivity
If manual pushing and pulling of draw-tape is performed, then cable installation can be completed, but operator physical strain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical pushing and pulling system with an automated propulsion unit. The propulsion unit includes drive wheels that rotate grooved belts to push the draw-tape through conduits, eliminating the need for operators to manually push heavy cables through long distances. This substitution significantly reduces physical strain while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion unit operates through periodic cycles of pushing the draw-tape forward and retracting it. The drive wheels rotate in alternating directions to first propel the cable through the conduit and then retrieve it. This periodic action allows continuous operation without sustained physical effort from the operator, reducing strain while maintaining productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple threading tools are used, then ease of manufacture increases, but friction and retention forces decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating grooved belts at specific locations where contact with the draw-tape occurs. The grooves in the belts are strategically positioned to maximize friction and retention forces exactly where needed - at the interface between the propulsion system and the cable. This localized enhancement of surface geometry provides high friction forces without requiring complex manufacturing throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooved belts change the physical parameters of the contact surface between the propulsion system and the draw-tape. By introducing grooves, the effective contact area and friction coefficient are increased at the interface. This parameter change enhances retention forces while keeping the belt material and structure relatively simple to manufacture.
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 the threading process, reduces operator strain, and increases efficiency by providing enhanced friction and retention forces, enabling easier installation and removal of cables/wires through conduits with reduced physical effort.
Implementation Method 1
elastically deforming it to thereby at least partially wrap over the propellable thread held inside the circumferential groove
Implementation Method 2
enhance friction/retention forces between portions of the propellable thread held inside the circumferential groove of the propulsion belt
Data Source
AI summary
A threading accessory comprising a belt and two rotatable wheels configured to revolve the belt which has a circumferential groove formed in an outer face thereof and configured to receive and hold a portion of a thread therein. One or more press-wheels are used to engage a portion of the belt passing between the rotating wheels and elastically deform the belt portion to thereby at least partially wrap it about and latch the thread portion inside in the circumferential groove for propulsion by the belt.