Pulling Swivel Certification Under High Tension and Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivels used in high-tension applications often degrade over time, making it difficult to differentiate between functional and failing swivels, especially under high tension loads, posing a risk of catastrophic failure.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for testing swivels involve applying alternating tension and rotational forces, monitoring torque and rotation, and using a controller to determine swivel performance, with certification based on predetermined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a swivel is visually inspected and tested under low tension, then it appears to operate normally, but it may fail catastrophically under high tension loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting accelerated life testing before the swivel is deployed in service. The testing apparatus subjects the swivel to repeated cycles of high tension and rotation, simulating long-term wear and degradation that would occur during actual use. This allows detection of potential failures before the swivel is put into service, preventing catastrophic failures in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using a programmable controller to dynamically adjust testing parameters during the test cycle. The system varies tension forces, rotation speeds, and cycle durations to simulate different operating conditions and accelerate degradation. This dynamic testing approach reveals how the swivel behaves under varying loads that mimic real-world conditions more accurately than static testing.
2Ease of operation
If a swivel is subjected to high tension loads during operation, then it can rotate properly under normal conditions, but it may resist or stop rotating when subjected to higher tension loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing repeated cycles of tension application and release during testing. The programmable controller subjects the swivel to multiple cycles of high tension followed by lower tension, with rotation applied during each cycle. This periodic loading pattern accelerates wear on the swivel's moving parts and reveals whether the swivel can maintain rotation capability after repeated stress cycles, which would not be detected in a single static test.
3Device complexity
If a swivel is tested under static conditions, then the testing process is simple, but it cannot detect failures that occur under dynamic loading and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining continuous monitoring and data collection throughout the entire test cycle. The programmable controller continuously measures tension forces, rotation speeds, and cycle counts, and stores this data for analysis. This continuous measurement approach provides precise assessment of swivel performance degradation over time, capturing the exact point at which rotation capability is lost or degraded below acceptable thresholds.
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 method effectively identifies swivel failures, ensuring safe operation by certifying swivels that can withstand high tension and torque, reducing the risk of cable breakage and equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
a linear actuator with an attachment point and configured to apply tension force to a swivel
Implementation Method 2
a rotational actuator having an attachment point and configured to apply torque to a swivel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for testing and certifying swivels such as are used for line and cable pulling are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods for testing and certification may be used to ensure the tested swivels are still suitable for use in industrial settings. Devices for performing the described testing procedures are also disclosed herein.