Multi-Wire Collet Structure for Fast Tangle-Free Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deploying wire elements, such as antenna wires and support tethers, are labor-intensive and time-consuming, especially when multiple wire elements need to be deployed together, and they often require specialized tools and training.
Innovation Solution
A collet device is designed to frictionally engage multiple wire elements simultaneously, allowing for easy installation without tools and minimal training. The collet has a cylindrical body with multiple passageways of varying sizes, made from materials like thermoplastic polyurethane, which can be tailored for specific wire sizes and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods are used to deploy multiple wire elements, then each wire can be deployed individually, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wire element passageways into a single collet body, allowing multiple wires to be deployed simultaneously through one integrated device rather than using separate deployment methods for each wire, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The collet is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple different wire elements of varying sizes through its multiple passageways, enabling a single tool to perform the function of deploying various wire types that traditionally would require different specialized tools and procedures
2Ease of operation
If specialized tools and training are used for wire deployment, then precise control can be achieved, but the process requires specialized training and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The collet design allows operators to deploy wire elements without requiring specialized training or tools. The passive friction engagement mechanism and modular design enable operators to perform deployments independently, eliminating the need for expert intervention while maintaining reliable control through the inherent friction-based gripping mechanism
3Productivity
If multiple wire elements are deployed together, then efficiency is improved, but wire tangling and misalignment issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collet divides the deployment function into separate passageways for different wire elements, with each passageway independently guiding its assigned wire. This segmentation prevents wires from tangling with each other while allowing simultaneous deployment, maintaining both productivity and wire alignment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Each passageway within the collet is specifically sized and configured for particular wire elements, providing localized optimization for each wire type. This ensures proper fit and alignment for each wire while maintaining the overall efficiency of deploying multiple wires together
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 collet enables efficient deployment of wire element assemblies by reducing the effort and time required, allowing for coiled storage and easy installation of multiple wire elements with reduced tangling and misalignment issues.
Implementation Method 1
The collet is constructed to frictionally engage the wire elements
Data Source
AI summary
A collet for multiple wire elements is disclosed. In an example, the collet has a body made of a polymeric material and extends along a central axis from a first end to a second end. The body defines a first passageway extending axially through the body, the first passageway in communication with the environment via a first insertion opening extending along an entire length of the first passageway. The body defines a second passageway extending axially through the body and in communication with the environment along an entire length of the second passageway via a second insertion opening, the second passageway spaced circumferentially from the first passageway. When installed, the collet frictionally engages wire elements when a first wire element is seated in the first passageway and a second wire element is seated in the second passageway.