Internal Vibrating Module for Cable Sheath Deicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deicing solutions for cable sheaths on bridges, such as scraping collars and external vibrating systems, require excessive maintenance and can cause damage to the sheaths, while existing technologies focus on external methods that are labor-intensive and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A module with a vibrating mass and base is placed within the interstitial space between the strands and the inner wall of the sheath, using a tether or rollers for movement, to impart vibration and remove snow and ice from the exterior surface without damaging the sheath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external scraping collars are used to remove ice from cable sheaths, then ice accumulation is prevented, but the sheaths suffer damage and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional external scraping approach by placing the vibrating deicing device inside the sheath. The vibrator contacts the strands internally and transmits vibrations through the sheath wall to break up ice externally, eliminating direct mechanical contact between scraping elements and the sheath exterior that causes damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath itself acts as an intermediary medium. Instead of directly scraping ice from the sheath exterior, the internal vibrator uses the sheath structure to transmit vibrational energy through its wall to the ice accumulation on the outside, preventing ice buildup without damaging the sheath surface.
2Reliability
If external scraping systems are deployed on cable sheaths, then ice removal is achieved, but maintenance labor increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The internal vibrating device can be periodically deployed and operated to self-maintain the sheath by preventing ice accumulation. The system serves itself by using vibrations to keep the sheath clear of ice, reducing the need for frequent manual external scraping and associated maintenance labor.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If internal vibration is applied to the sheath from within the interstitial space, then ice is broken up without sheath damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deicing vibrator is nested within the existing interstitial space between the strands and sheath wall, utilizing the existing cable structure. This nested approach avoids adding external complex mechanisms while achieving the deicing function through internal vibration transmission.
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
This method effectively prevents ice accumulation by breaking up ice formations early, reducing the risk of damage or injury from falling ice, while minimizing maintenance and damage to the sheath, as it operates internally and is less labor-intensive.
Implementation Method 1
a module for placement inside a sheath having a curved inner wall for vibrating the sheath
Data Source
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AI summary
A module for deicing a cable sheath has a mass, a vibrator, and a base. The module may be placed inside a sheath, such as a sheath surrounding stay strands in a cable stayed bridge, for vibrating the sheath to prevent and/or remove snow and/or ice accumulation from the sheath.