Pipe Splitter Cable Locking Assembly With Jack-Assisted Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe bursting methods face difficulties in decoupling the cable from the pipe splitter due to the strong coupling caused by pulling forces, making it challenging to disengage the cable from the pipe splitting assembly.
Innovation Solution
A cable locking assembly with a cable gripping device and a jack mechanism that provides a mechanical advantage coupling, allowing for easy disengagement of the cable from the cable gripping device collar by applying a force input that is multiplied as a force output, enabling quick release without the need for heavy equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the cable is tightly coupled with the pipe splitter during pulling operation, then the pulling force is effectively transmitted, but the cable becomes difficult to decouple from the pipe splitter
Solution Approach 1:
The cable holding mechanism is divided into separate components: a cable gripping device with gripping elements, a collar, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows the cable to be firmly held during operation (when gripping elements engage the cable) and easily released (when the release mechanism disengages the gripping elements from the cable), resolving the contradiction between force transmission and ease of decoupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable holding mechanism transitions from a static tight coupling to a dynamic controllable coupling. The gripping elements can be actuated to engage or disengage from the cable based on operational needs, allowing the system to switch between strong force transmission mode and easy release mode, thus resolving the contradiction.
2Device complexity
If a simple cable holding mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to reliably immobilize the pipe splitting assembly during operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The collar acts as an intermediary component between the cable gripping device and the pipe splitter body. It provides a structural interface that allows the gripping device to be mounted and actuated, enabling reliable cable immobilization without requiring the entire pipe splitter assembly to be overly complex. The intermediary collar simplifies the overall design while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If heavy equipment or power tools are used to disengage the cable, then the cable can be decoupled from the tight coupling, but the ease of operation and device simplicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is designed to be self-contained and manually operable without requiring external heavy equipment or power tools. The mechanism uses the pipe splitter's own structural components (collar, gripping elements) to release the cable when actuated, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding the need for additional complex external equipment.
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
Enables reliable immobilization of the pipe splitting assembly during operation while allowing for rapid and easy disassembly of the pipe splitting assembly from the cable, reducing the need for power tools and simplifying the process.
Implementation Method 1
a jack mechanism that provides a mechanical advantage coupling, allowing for easy disengagement of the cable from the cable gripping device collar by applying a force input that is multiplied as a force output
Data Source
AI summary
A cable retention and release mechanism includes a cable gripping device including a cable passage. A cable extends through the cable passage. A cable gripping device collar is movably coupled around the cable gripping device. An outer cable gripping device surface is seated against a cable gripping device receiving inner surface preventing movement of the cable gripping device relative to the cable gripping device collar. The cable gripping device receiving inner surface clamps the cable gripping device on the cable and prevents sliding movement of the cable. A jack is movably coupled with the cable gripping device collar. In a first engaged position the jack is engaged against the cable gripping device proximal end. In a second engaged position the jack unseats the outer cable gripping device surface from the cable gripping device receiving inner surface and releases the clamping of the cable.