Rotatable Cable Stringing Joint for Capstan Passage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cable stringing technologies face interruptions and inefficiencies due to the inability of traditional joints to pass over capstans and pulleys without deformation or breakage, requiring frequent stops and replacements, especially in high voltage overhead line reconductoring operations.

Innovation Solution

A connection joint comprising a flexible member attached to tubular elements with rotational freedom, allowing it to adapt to circular profiles and minimize operational overloads, featuring a bushing for enhanced flexibility and a thrust-bearing member for stability, enabling continuous operation without the need for frequent joint replacements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional rigid joints are used to connect conductors, then the joint provides structural strength and stability, but the joint cannot pass over capstans and pulleys without deformation or breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint structural strengthVSAvoidjoint flexibility to pass over capstans

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The joint is divided into multiple tubular elements (first tubular element, second tubular element, third tubular element) that can rotate relative to each other around a longitudinal axis, allowing the joint to bend and adapt to circular profiles while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The joint transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic one with rotational degrees of freedom between tubular elements, enabling the joint to flex and conform to the curvature of capstans and pulleys during cable stringing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional joints are used in cable stringing operations, then the joint maintains cable tension, but frequent stops and replacements are required when joints reach winch machines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable tension maintenanceVSAvoidreconductoring operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational capability between tubular elements allows the joint to pass through winch machines and pulleys without requiring stops for replacement, enabling continuous cable stringing operations while maintaining cable tension throughout the process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The joint's flexibility enables uninterrupted cable stringing operations by allowing continuous passage through winch machines and pulleys, eliminating the need for frequent stops and joint replacements that interrupt the stringing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Strength

If fixed joints are used in overhead lines, then the joints provide structural connection between conductor segments, but the joints cause catastrophic failure when they break due to flexion on capstans

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductor connection strengthVSAvoidjoint resistance to flexion-induced breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The joint is segmented into multiple rotatable tubular elements that can independently flex and rotate, distributing the flexion stress across multiple joints rather than concentrating it in a single rigid connection, thereby preventing catastrophic failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic rotational capability between tubular elements allows the joint to accommodate flexion forces during capstan passage, transforming the rigid connection into a flexible one that can withstand operational stresses without breaking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 joint provides increased flexional freedom and rotational adaptability, reducing operational interruptions and allowing for efficient, rapid reconductoring with minimized safety risks and reduced operational overloads, compatible with both traditional and continuous pulling systems.

Implementation Method 1

the joint provides increased flexional freedom and rotational adaptability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexion: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one first tubular element to which a first segment of a flexible member is attached and positioned rotatable, at least with respect to a longitudinal axis of the joint, inside a second tubular element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 3

At least one thrust-bearing member can be positioned between the first tubular element and the bushing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust bearing support: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentUS11705697B2Connection joint for cables for a cable stringing plant

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 TESMEC

AI summary

Connection joint for cables for a cable stringing plant, comprising at least one first tubular element (18) to which a first segment (22) of a flexible member (19) is attached and positioned rotatable, at least with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the joint, inside a second tubular element (23) open at a first end and closed at the other end by a bottom wall (25); the bottom wall (25) comprises at least one hole (26) from which a second segment (27) of the flexible member (19) emerges; the second segment (27) is attached to a portion (32) of a third tubular element (31); the second and third tubular elements (23, 31) are provided on opposite ends with a corresponding hole (29, 35) directed substantially in a longitudinal direction and able to house a respective segment of cable (11a, 11b) to be laid.