Inverted Anchor Potting for Tensile Member Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for attaching terminations to tensile strength members, particularly those made of synthetic filaments, face challenges such as random filament orientation, variability in breaking strength, and inefficiencies in potting compound distribution, leading to suboptimal load distribution and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

The method involves inverting the anchor and tensile member assembly, injecting pressurized potting compound into the anchor cavity, and applying controlled tension and translation to the cable while the potting compound solidifies, ensuring thorough infusion and improved filament alignment and load distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional potting methods are used with synthetic filaments, then the filaments can be contained within the anchor cavity, but the filaments remain randomly oriented and load distribution is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreaking strengthVSAvoidfilament alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional potting process by filling the cavity from the closed end rather than the open end. This inversion causes the liquid potting compound to push filaments forward and align them along the cable axis as it solidifies, transforming random orientation into organized alignment that improves load distribution and breaking strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses liquid potting compound as a hydraulic medium to systematically push and align filaments during the filling process. The liquid's flow pressure forces filaments into aligned positions, and as the liquid solidifies, it locks the filaments in their aligned state, achieving both containment and precise orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Quantity of substance

If filaments are splayed apart to fit in the anchor cavity, then more filaments can be accommodated, but load distribution becomes variable and inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of filamentsVSAvoidconsistency of breaking strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the filling direction, the patent systematically pushes filaments into consistent aligned positions rather than allowing random splaying. This creates uniform load distribution across all filaments, improving reliability and consistency of breaking strength while accommodating the same quantity of filaments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of the potting compound from liquid to solid in a controlled sequence during filling. This parameter change (phase transition) occurs progressively as the liquid pushes filaments into alignment and then solidifies, locking them in consistent positions that ensure reliable and repeatable performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of stationary object

If potting compound is injected traditionally, then the cavity can be filled, but air pockets and voids remain that reduce structural integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecavity fillingVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inverting the filling direction allows liquid potting compound to enter from the closed end and systematically push air pockets and voids toward the open end for escape. This eliminates trapped air and ensures complete cavity filling with no voids, maintaining high structural integrity throughout the termination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 approach enhances the alignment and load distribution of filaments within the termination, resulting in improved breaking strength and consistency across multiple terminations, addressing the inefficiencies and variability in existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

a potting compound is then used to lock the wires within the fitting. The term 'potting compound' means any substance which transitions from a liquid to a solid over time.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

injecting pressurized potting compound into the anchor cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

maintaining said anchor and said length of filaments in said inverted position until said liquid potting compound has transitioned substantially to a solid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3516262B1Inverted injection method of affixing a termination to a tensile member

Publication Date: 2023.08.02 CAMPBELL RICHARD V

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AI summary

A method for attaching an anchor to an end of a tensile member by inverting the assembly of anchor and tensile member arid injecting pressurised potting compound. A length of filaments of the tensile member are placed within a cavity through the anchor. The anchor and filaments are placed in an inverted position, with the distal end of the anchor facing downward and the cable extending upward out of the anchor. If the anchor has an open distal end this is sealed. Liquid potting compound is injected into the anchor cavity and allowed to solidify. During the solidification process, a controlled translation (pulling) of the cable is preferably introduced.