Hinged Cable Block With Lever-Driven Jaw for Ground Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable blocks face challenges in installation and removal, particularly when the support cable is distant or positioned over obstacles, as they lack mechanisms for secure positioning and easy engagement from the ground or at angles.
Innovation Solution
A cable block design featuring a hinged frame with a lever and latch system, allowing for easy configuration between open and closed states, and the option to secure to an installation pole or additional supporting links, facilitating installation and secure positioning on support cables from various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cable blocks are installed manually when the support cable is reachable, then installation is simple, but installation flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pole as an intermediary tool that connects the installer on the ground to the cable block on the support cable. The pole enables the installer to manipulate the cable block from a distance, achieving both operational simplicity and installation flexibility by mediating between the installer and the cable block.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the vertical dimension to the installation process by using a telescopic pole that can extend upward to reach the support cable. This allows installation from the ground level rather than requiring direct access to the cable, expanding the workspace and improving flexibility.
2Device complexity
If cable blocks are designed for manual installation, then device complexity is low, but installation capability from ground is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pole serves as a mediator that extends the installer's reach to the cable block. By attaching the cable block to the pole, the installer can perform installation operations from the ground without needing to climb or get close to the support cable, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable block incorporates a movable jaw mechanism that can transition between open and closed positions. This dynamic structure allows the jaw to grip the support cable securely during installation and then lock in place, enabling ground-based installation while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Device complexity
If cable blocks lack a dedicated securing mechanism, then device complexity is low, but positioning capability over obstacles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an additional supporting link as an intermediary element that connects the cable block to the support cable over obstacles. This link acts as a mediator that spans gaps and obstacles, enabling the cable block to be positioned and secured in locations that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into multiple components: the cable block, the additional supporting link, and the pole. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the supporting link providing dedicated securing capability over obstacles without complicating the overall system.
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
Enables efficient and flexible installation and removal of cable blocks on support cables from different angles and positions, including over obstacles, with enhanced security and ease of use, reducing manual effort and improving installation flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The lower section of the frame is rotatable about a pivot point to move the cable block from the open configuration to the closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
The lever is configured to extend into the inner opening and be engageable with the support cable, when the cable block is configured in the open configuration, and to drive the upper section of the frame in rotation upon a force being exerted on the lever by the support cable
Implementation Method 3
a main sheave rotatably connected to the lower section of the frame, with a section of the main sheave defining a lower portion of the inner opening
Implementation Method 4
at least one pulley engageable with the aerial cable for guiding and allowing smooth movement of the aerial cable
Implementation Method 5
The cable block includes a latch configured to secure the cable block in the closed configuration
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3a
AI summary
A cable block including a frame having an upper section and a lower section together defining an inner opening. The lower section has a main sheave rotatably connected thereto, with a section of the main sheave defining a lower portion of the inner opening. The upper section is hingedly connected to the lower section at a pivot point, with a lever extending on an opposite side of the pivot point than the remaining of the upper section. The lever is configured to extend into the inner opening and be engageable with the support cable, when the cable block is configured in the open configuration, and to drive the upper section in rotation upon a force being exerted on the lever by the support cable, to move the cable block from an open configuration to a closed configuration.