Rigid Rod Rope Termination for Even Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for terminating tension members like ropes in permanent fixtures, such as bridge construction or tower anchoring, are inadequate as they lead to uneven stress distribution, degradation, and failure, especially with larger ropes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the separation and straightening of fibres or wires from tension members, followed by the application of a curable resin and compression to form a rigid rod, which is then embedded in resin to create a robust termination suitable for wedged sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional termination methods are used for tension members, then the termination can be formed quickly, but the stress distribution becomes uneven leading to degradation and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The fibres are straightened and aligned in a predetermined manner before the termination process. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the fibres are embedded in the resin within the wedged socket, they are pre-positioned to distribute stress evenly, preventing the uneven stress distribution that leads to degradation and failure in traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and arrangement parameters of the fibres by straightening them from their natural twisted or braided configuration. This parameter change in fibre orientation and alignment enables uniform stress distribution when terminated, resolving the contradiction between quick termination formation and long-term durability.
2Reliability
If fibres are straightened and embedded in resin to form a rigid rod, then load distribution becomes even and reliability improves, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The straightening and resin embedding process serves multiple functions simultaneously: it aligns fibres for even stress distribution, creates a rigid rod structure, and forms the termination itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate manufacturing steps, thereby mitigating the increase in process complexity while achieving improved reliability.
3Strength
If a rigid rod is formed on the end of the tension member, then the termination can be securely anchored in wedged sockets, but additional manufacturing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the formation of the rigid rod with the termination process itself. By embedding the straightened fibres directly in resin within the wedged socket structure, the rigid rod is formed as an integral part of the termination rather than as a separate component. This combining of operations secures anchoring strength while reducing the number of discrete manufacturing steps.
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 provides a reliable and durable termination for larger fibre and wire ropes by evenly distributing loads, reducing degradation, and enabling inspection and repair, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional termination methods.
Implementation Method 1
applying a curable resin to said fibres; compressing said fibres to which said curable resin has been applied; arranging said fibres in a mould and allowing said resin to set to form a rod containing said fibres
Data Source
AI summary
A tension member has fibres straightened such that they are substantially parallel. The fibres are then held in the base of mould. A curable resin such as castable synthetic polymer resin, is applied around the fibres.The side of mould is then placed on base trapping compression tool as part of the mould. The cylindrical cavity defined by the mould is filled with curable resin, The curable resin is then allowed to set, and the mould removed to form a rigid rod on the end of the tension member.