Line Cable Connecting Element with Force-Fit Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line cable systems for cranes are inflexible, requiring rigid connections to a single feeding point, leading to complex, heavy, and bulky support mechanisms that increase the weight and size of the crane, and do not effectively manage strain relief to prevent bending and damage to electrical lines.
Innovation Solution
A line cable system with a connecting element that can be force-fitted or interlocked to a supporting element, featuring a flexible aramid rope or wire rope for strain relief, embedded in an outer casing with additional braided fabric, and an elastic filling material to manage tension and prevent excessive bending, along with a motor-driven cable drum for efficient winding and unwinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid connection to a single feeding point is used, then the crane is stable and structurally simple, but the crane loses flexibility to move between different stacking areas
Solution Approach 1:
The line cable system transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic flexible connection. The cable can be wound and unwound on a cable drum, allowing the crane to move between different feeding points while maintaining electrical connection. This dynamic capability enables the crane to adapt to different stacking areas without requiring multiple fixed connections.
2Reliability
If additional support means are added to the docking station, then strain relief is improved, but the device becomes more complex, larger, and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief function is extracted from the docking station and integrated into the line cable itself. The supporting element with force-fitting connection is built into the cable assembly, separating the strain relief mechanism from the stationary docking station. This reduces the complexity and size of the docking station while maintaining effective strain relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting element is merged with the line cable to form an integrated assembly. The force-fitting connection between the connecting element and supporting element creates a unified strain relief system that protects the electrical conductors without requiring separate complex support structures at the docking station.
3Reliability
If a heavy and large support means is used, then the crane gains better strain relief, but the crane's weight increases requiring more powerful drive system
Solution Approach 1:
The design changes the parameters of the support structure by using a flexible supporting element (aramid rope or wire rope) instead of rigid heavy supports. The force-fitting connection provides adequate strain relief with minimal weight, allowing the cable to flex naturally without requiring powerful crane drives.
4Volume of moving object
If the line cable is allowed to rest on the ground, then installation space is reduced, but the cable may buckle or be excessively bent
Solution Approach 1:
The line cable is pre-configured with a supporting element and force-fitting connection before deployment. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when the cable rests on the ground, the supporting element maintains proper tension and prevents buckling or excessive bending, protecting the electrical conductors without requiring elevated installation space.
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 allows for flexible connection to different feeding points, reduces the risk of cable buckling, and extends the life of the line cable by minimizing bending and tension on conductors, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the power supply system.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible aramid rope or wire rope for strain relief
Implementation Method 2
an elastic filling material to manage tension and prevent excessive bending
Data Source
AI summary
A line cable comprises one or more conductors for transmitting electrical power and/or data and an elongate supporting element. A related power supply system for supplying electrical power and/or data to a movable electrical load via cables comprises at least one feed device and a connecting element, which can be connected to the feed device, of a line cable of the load. The line cable can be output or retrieved from a reservoir, which is carried along by the load, in accordance with a distance between the reservoir and the feed device. A connecting element for connection to a connection of a feed device for electrical power and/or data is arranged at one end of the line cable. The supporting element can be connected to the connecting element in a force-fitting and/or interlocking manner for the purpose of transmitting longitudinal tensile forces.