Rotatable Axle Cable Retaining Apparatus for Safe Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable cleat systems for high voltage three phased power distribution cables are difficult to install and pose a risk of hand injuries due to the stiffness of the metal band and the need for repeated rotation of the split pin to achieve a gripping force, especially when dealing with smaller cables.
Innovation Solution
A cable retaining apparatus featuring a rotatable axle with perpendicular apertures and a hexagonal head for easy alignment and locking, along with a band engaging slot for straightforward locking, reduces the complexity and risk of injury during installation by allowing easier tightening with a ratchet socket spanner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a metal band is wound around a split pin to vary the aperture size, then the cleat can operate over a wide variety of cable diameters, but the installation process becomes very difficult and results in hand injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the static split pin system with a dynamic rotatable axle mechanism. The axle can rotate to adjust the aperture size dynamically, allowing easy adaptation to different cable diameters without the complex winding process of the prior art. This resolves the contradiction by providing both versatility and ease of operation through rotational adjustment rather than manual winding.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter adjustment method from winding (changing band length) to rotation (changing axle orientation). The rotatable axle with perpendicular apertures allows the aperture size to be adjusted by rotating the axle to different angular positions, making the process simple and safe while maintaining adaptability to various cable diameters.
2Strength
If a rigid metal band is used to provide gripping force, then the band is strong enough to secure cables, but repeated rotation of the split pin is required which increases installation time and injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable axle mechanism allows the strong metal band to be tightened through simple rotation rather than repeated winding. The axial rotation provides mechanical advantage, enabling the strong band to be adjusted quickly and easily while maintaining its gripping strength, thus reducing installation time without compromising strength.
3Strength
If the band is made strong to provide adequate clamping force, then the cable securing is reliable, but the stiffness of the band makes it difficult to manipulate during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable axle acts as an intermediary between the operator and the strong metal band. Instead of directly manipulating the stiff band, the operator rotates the axle which then translates this simple rotational motion into the appropriate band tensioning action. This mediator makes the strong, stiff band easy to manipulate during installation while maintaining its clamping force.
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 significantly simplifies the installation process, reduces the likelihood of hand injuries, and enhances safety by providing a more intuitive and efficient locking mechanism for securing cables.
Implementation Method 1
an axle rotatably mounted to said axle mounting means of said body portion, said axle having band engaging means for removably connecting said axle to said second end of said band, axle rotation means for allowing the axle to be rotated relative to said body portion
Implementation Method 2
at least one pin engaging surface adapted to be aligned with said first aperture such that when said retaining pin extends through said first aperture and engages said pin engaging surface said axle is prevented from rotating relative to said axle mounting means
Implementation Method 3
a band adapted to be wrapped around at least one cable and clamping means for holding a first end of said band relative to a second end of said band
Data Source
AI summary
A cable retaining apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a band that is wrapped around a group of cables and a clamping portion that holds the ends of the band. The clamping portion has a body portion that is fixed to one end of the band. The body portion also has an axle mounted to it, the axle having a slot cut into it to receive the other end of the band. The end of the axle has a rotatable head for engagement by a tool such as a spanner so that rotation of the head causes the axle to rotate. The body portion also has an aperture that is aligned with an aperture in the axle so that a pin can extend through the apertures to prevent rotation of the axle. In use the band is placed round the cables and its end inserted into the slot. The axle is then rotated and band winds around the axle until it tightens around the cable. The pin is then inserted into the apertures to prevent the band unwinding.