Segmented Cable Collet for Faster Pipe Splitter Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe splitting operations face challenges with difficult and time-consuming cable attachment and detachment due to damaged threading and adhesive materials, leading to increased downtime and expenses.
Innovation Solution
A cable engagement system for pipe splitting apparatuses featuring a segmented collet mechanism with a spring bias and o-rings, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement of cables with minimal disassembly, using an extraction tool to move the collet between engaged and disengaged positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded components with adhesive material are used to attach cable to pipe splitter, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in separation
Solution Approach 1:
The cable attachment mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a cable gripping section with jaws that can independently clamp onto the cable, and a threaded connection section that attaches to the pipe splitter. This segmentation allows the cable gripping function to be easily released while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable attachment mechanism transitions from a static permanently bonded connection to a dynamic system where the cable gripping jaws can be actively engaged and disengaged. The movable jaw assembly allows the connection state to change between tightly secured and easily released, improving operational flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If threaded components are repeatedly assembled and disassembled, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to damaged threading
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism separates the cable gripping function from the threaded connection function. The cable gripping section with its jaws can be repeatedly engaged and disengaged without affecting the threaded connection components, preserving thread integrity while allowing repeated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the cable gripping section to be easily removed and recovered without damaging the threaded connection components. The threaded components can be retained and reused multiple times, while the cable gripping section is discarded or reset after each use.
3Reliability
If disassembly is required for cable attachment, then reliability is improved through secure connection, but loss of time increases due to time-consuming assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable gripping jaws are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the cable when the mechanism is activated. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for manual alignment and adjustment during attachment, reducing time while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses dynamic motion of the movable jaw assembly to quickly transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic action allows rapid cable attachment and detachment while maintaining reliable connection during the operational state.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient cable attachment and detachment, reducing downtime and expenses by enabling easy engagement and disengagement with minimal apparatus disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a cable engagement system for pipe splitting apparatuses. The cable engagement system can include a cable collet assembly and a spring. The spring can be biased to hold the cable collet assembly in a cable engaged position
Implementation Method 2
The cable engagement system can include a cable collet assembly and a spring. The spring can be biased to hold the cable collet assembly in a cable engaged position. The cable collet assembly can include o-rings.
Data Source
AI summary
Pipe splitting apparatuses and systems including a replaceable blade, and methods therefor. In various examples, a cable retention and release mechanism is configured to releasably engage a cable and includes one or more segments of a pipe splitting apparatus including a cable passage. A segmented collet includes tapered segments and is disposed within a tapered portion of a cable passage of the one or more segments. Channel surfaces of the tapered segments together form a cable channel through the segmented collet. The cable channel is configured to widen in a disengaged position of the segmented collet and narrow in an engaged position of the segmented collet. A spring is disposed within the spring pocket of the one or more segments to bias the segmented collet distally in the engaged position.