Mobile Frame Tensioning for Buried Cable Raceway Tape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for protecting and handling electric feed cables in buried raceways, particularly for mobile load handling equipment like cranes, face issues with maintaining constant tape tension, alignment, and resistance to debris accumulation, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A mobile frame with a central tower and articulated arms, equipped with rolls and tensioning devices, ensures constant tape tension and alignment along the raceway, using flexible rubber tape with metal or textile reinforcements, and automatic tensioning systems to prevent loosening and misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flexible tape is linearly fixed on one side to allow lifting for cable exposure, then the cable can be extracted and reintroduced, but the tape undergoes constant helix-wise winding with strong strains that stress the tape and reduce its flexibility over time
Solution Approach 1:
The tape is divided into multiple segments or sections, each capable of independent movement and tensioning. This segmentation allows the tape to be lifted and repositioned in controlled portions rather than as a single continuous piece, reducing cumulative strain and maintaining flexibility over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The tape tensioning system is made dynamic and adjustable, allowing the tension to be modified based on operational needs. The tape can be tensioned during installation and operation, and re-tensioned as needed to compensate for wear and maintain optimal performance, transforming a static system into an adaptive one.
2Force
If the flexible tape is made wide (more than 350 mm) to ensure sufficient lifting capacity, then the tape can support the cable weight, but the trafficability of vehicles on the trench duct is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire tape wide to provide sufficient lifting capacity, the invention applies local reinforcement or localized structural features only at the points where lifting is required. The majority of the tape width remains narrow to preserve vehicle trafficability, while specific localized sections provide the necessary mechanical strength.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible tape is hinged on an edge of the trench duct opening using metal straps or riveted metal plates to allow temporary tipping over, then the tape can be lifted to expose the cable, but the installation operations are considerably complicated with remarkable costs
Solution Approach 1:
The complex hinging mechanism using metal straps and riveted plates is extracted and replaced with a simpler attachment method. The invention uses direct bonding, friction-based retention, or simplified mechanical connectors that eliminate the need for elaborate metal hinging systems, thereby reducing installation complexity and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive and complex metal hinging systems designed for long-term durability, the invention employs simpler, more economical attachment methods that are easier to install and replace if needed. The focus shifts from creating a permanent, complex structure to using simpler, more adaptable solutions.
4Ease of operation
If the flexible tape remains lifted at high height to allow cable extraction, then the cable can be accessed, but debris accumulates in the underlying trench duct requiring systematic removal to prevent cable deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of leaving the tape continuously lifted, the invention implements a periodic action where the tape is lifted only during cable extraction operations and then returned to its closed position. This periodic opening and closing minimizes the time the trench duct is exposed to debris, reducing accumulation while maintaining cable accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of debris accumulation is addressed by extracting or removing the source of the problem - the open position of the tape. The tape is taken out of the lifted state and returned to the closed protective position after cable operations, thereby eliminating continuous exposure to debris and preventing accumulation.
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 maintains constant tape tension and alignment, preventing debris accumulation and ensuring reliable cable protection, reducing maintenance needs and operational costs while allowing for accurate repositioning and easy installation.
Implementation Method 1
a more advanced embodiment, still used, provides for the cover of the trench duct to be obtained by a reinforced tape having elastic features
Data Source
AI summary
A device for protection and handling of electric feed cables (20-20′) for mobile use, especially for a mobile device (26-26′) for lifting and moving loads such as cranes, bridge cranes and the like installed along harbour docks. The device includes a mobile frame (10-10′), made of metal or other suitable material, provided with a central tower (30-30′) connected to said mobile device and with opposite arms (32-32′), arranged in alignment on a part of a trench duct or raceway (12-12′) buried in the ground with an open top substantially aligned with the surface level (14-14′) and screened by a flexible tape (16-16′). At least one of the opposite arms (32-32′) is provided with structure for lifting the flexible tape (16-16′), arranged at the top and/or at the bottom of the tape, and structure for guiding and centering the frame (10-10′) in cross direction relative to the raceway (12-12′).