Pipe Splitter Cable Collet Release for Fast Cable Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe splitting methods face challenges with the difficult and time-consuming process of engaging and disengaging cables from pipe splitting apparatuses, often requiring disassembly and reassembly, which leads to increased downtime and expenses due to damaged threading and thread adhesives.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cable retention and release mechanism using a segmented collet with a tapered design and o-rings, which allows for quick engagement and disengagement of cables with minimal disassembly, utilizing a segment extractor and spring bias to control the collet's position and grip the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded components with adhesive are used to attach cable to pipe splitter, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in separation
Solution Approach 1:
The cable attachment mechanism is divided into separate functional segments: a cable gripping portion with jaws that can independently clamp the cable, and a threaded body portion that attaches to the pipe splitter. This segmentation allows the cable gripping mechanism to be released and repositioned without requiring complete disassembly of the threaded connection, enabling cable replacement while maintaining the structural attachment to the pipe splitter.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable attachment mechanism incorporates movable jaws that can dynamically open and close to grip or release the cable. This dynamic capability allows the operator to quickly release and reattach cables without damaging the threaded connection to the pipe splitter, resolving the contradiction between strong connection and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If threaded components are repeatedly assembled and disassembled, then cable replacement is enabled, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to damaged threading
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into a reusable threaded body portion that remains attached to the pipe splitter, and a separable cable gripping portion. This allows the precision-threaded components to be used repeatedly without disassembly, while only the non-threaded cable gripping portion needs to be removed and repositioned for cable replacement, preserving thread integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable gripping jaws are pre-positioned on the cable before the cable is pulled through the pipe splitter. This preliminary attachment allows the cable to be secured to the moving portion of the device, enabling cable replacement without requiring disassembly of the threaded connection to the pipe splitter body.
3Ease of operation
If cable attachment requires disassembly of threaded components, then cable replacement is possible, but loss of time increases due to disassembly and reassembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The cable attachment mechanism is segmented into a stationary threaded body portion that remains attached to the pipe splitter, and a movable cable gripping portion that can be quickly released and repositioned. This segmentation eliminates the time-consuming disassembly and reassembly of threaded components, allowing rapid cable replacement by simply repositioning the gripping jaws.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable cable gripping portion incorporates dynamic release mechanisms that allow rapid opening of the jaws without requiring unscrewing or complex manipulation. This dynamic design significantly reduces the time required for cable attachment and detachment while maintaining secure cable gripping during operation.
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 solution enables rapid and efficient cable engagement and disengagement, reducing downtime and expenses by minimizing the need for disassembly and addressing thread damage issues, thus improving the efficiency of pipe splitting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring bias to control the collet's position and grip the cable
Implementation Method 2
The cable retention and release mechanism using a segmented collet with a tapered design
Data Source
AI summary
Pipe splitting apparatuses and systems including a replaceable blade, and methods therefor, are provided. In various examples, a cable retention and release mechanism is configured to releasably engage a cable and includes one or more segments of a pipe splitting apparatus including a cable passage. A segmented collet includes tapered segments and is disposed within a tapered portion of a cable passage of the one or more segments. Channel surfaces of the tapered segments together form a cable channel through the segmented collet. The cable channel is configured to widen in a disengaged position of the segmented collet and narrow in an engaged position of the segmented collet. A spring is disposed within the spring pocket of the one or more segments to bias the segmented collet distally in the engaged position.