Cable Guide Pulley Lining With Dual-Modulus Elastomer Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable guide pulley linings fail to provide adequate resistance to mechanical attack from towing cables while maintaining adhesion, often leading to degradation of adhesion and increased fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple elastomer volumes with varying elongation moduli, where the outer volume has a lower modulus and is partially exposed, and the inner volume has a higher modulus, with specific thickness ratios to enhance resistance and adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the device (packing) is stiffened to improve resistance to mechanical attack of the towing cable, then resistance to mechanical attack is improved, but adhesion with the towing cable deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device (packing) is divided into multiple layers with different elastomeric compositions. The first layer (outer layer) has lower stiffness and higher adhesion properties, while the second layer (inner layer) has higher stiffness for mechanical resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the device (packing) are assigned different material properties. The outer layer is formulated with specific elastomeric composition having lower Shore hardness (60-70) for better adhesion and cable routing, while the inner layer uses stiffer material (Shore hardness 70-80) for mechanical strength. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between adhesion and mechanical resistance.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single elastomeric composition is used for the device (liner), then manufacturing is simplified, but resistance to mechanical attack and adhesion cannot be simultaneously optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The device (packing) uses a composite structure with at least two layers of different elastomeric compositions. Each layer is designed with specific Shore hardness ranges and physical properties to fulfill different functions. The outer layer provides adhesion and cable routing, while the inner layer provides mechanical strength, achieving optimal combined performance through material composition differentiation.
3Reliability
If the device (packing) is made more flexible to improve adhesion with the towing cable, then adhesion is improved, but resistance to mechanical attack deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device (packing) is segmented into functional layers where the outer layer is formulated to be more flexible with lower Shore hardness (60-70) for enhanced adhesion and cable routing properties, while the inner layer is stiffer (Shore hardness 70-80) to provide mechanical resistance. This functional segmentation resolves the contradiction between flexibility for adhesion and stiffness for mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different material properties to different regions: the outer surface layer has optimized flexibility and adhesion characteristics, while the inner layer has optimized stiffness for mechanical support. This spatial differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous optimization of adhesion and mechanical resistance.
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 provides improved resistance to mechanical attack and maintains adhesion with the towing cable, reducing fatigue and enhancing cable routing properties.
Implementation Method 1
the elongation modulus MA10 according to ASTM D412 measured for an elongation of 10 percent and at a temperature of 23°C of the elastomer composition constituting the outer volume is lower than the elongation modulus MA10 of the elastomer composition constituting the main volume
Implementation Method 2
for absorbing vibrations generated through the hauling cable and/or the support structure transmitted by the hauling cable
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device intended to form a lining of a cable guide pulley, the device comprising an outer face provided with a groove intended to be in contact with a cable, the device having a thickness (t), the device comprising at least two volumes, namely an outer volume exposed at the outer face and containing the groove, and a main volume exposed at the inner face, an elongation modulus MA10 of an elastomer composition constituting the outer volume is less than the elongation modulus M10 of an elastomer composition constituting the main volume, and a radial thickness (to) of the outer volume, measured at the axial centre of the groove, is less than 0.5 times the thickness (t) of the device.