Loop Tubular Energy Dissipator for Cable Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy dissipators, used to mitigate shock effects on cables and structures, have limited energy absorption capacity, necessitating either multiple units or oversized components to effectively manage impact forces.
Innovation Solution
An energy dissipator design featuring a tubular element in the shape of a loop with ends connected by a connecting element, allowing accordion-like buckling deformation and increased friction to absorb energy, enhancing the dissipator's capacity to manage tensile forces and impact energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional dissipators with tubular elements are used, then energy dissipation occurs through deformation, but the energy absorption capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular element is divided into multiple segments or sections along its length, with connecting elements at intervals. This segmentation allows the element to deform in multiple zones simultaneously, increasing the total energy absorption capacity without requiring a single oversized component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested tubular elements where smaller tubular elements are positioned inside larger ones, or multiple tubular elements are arranged concentrically. This nesting arrangement allows sequential deformation and energy absorption across multiple levels, significantly increasing capacity while maintaining a compact overall structure.
2Loss of energy
If the number of dissipators is increased along the cable, then energy absorption capacity increases, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tubular elements are combined into a single integrated dissipator assembly, where several elements work together in parallel or sequence. This merging approach achieves the energy absorption capacity of multiple separate dissipators while reducing the number of discrete components to install and manage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement of separate dissipators to a multi-dimensional configuration where tubular elements are arranged in parallel, concentric, or three-dimensional patterns. This dimensional change allows greater energy absorption capacity within a more compact space, reducing the number of components needed along the cable length.
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 significantly increases the energy absorption capability of the dissipator, allowing for effective shock management without compromising the integrity of the main cable, and can be integrated into protective nets for applications like rock fall protection.
Implementation Method 1
the tubular element deforms accordion-like by buckling when the cable intended to pass through this element is pulled
Implementation Method 2
Buckling deformation is a plastic deformation that absorbs a large part of the impact energy
Implementation Method 3
the cable tends to rub against the internal wall of the tubular element. The greater the deformation, the greater the friction forces and the greater the energy dissipation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a power dissipator (1) including at least one generally loop-shaped tubular element (2) having first and second ends (3, 4) connected to each other via a connecting element (5), the tubular element (2) intended for passing a cable (10) therethrough and equipped such that one portion of the pull of the cable is dissipated by deforming the tubular element (2) when the cable is pulled. The first and second ends (3, 4) are attached to the connecting element (5) such that the tubular element wrinkles by buckling when the cable is pulled.