Segmented Support Core for Elastic Sleeve Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid polymer support cores for cold shrink cable accessories are difficult to install accurately and require multiple sizes and lengths, leading to increased manufacturing and planning costs, and can impact the installation process due to the forces needed to remove large core sections.
Innovation Solution
A support core design featuring first and second cylindrical sections with interlocking concave plates that allow for easy separation, enabling accurate placement and easy customer removal, with each section having a helical edge and interlocking features for secure assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid polymer support core is used, then the elastic sleeve is adequately supported during storage and transport, but the core requires large removal forces that impact installation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The support core is divided into multiple separable sections (first section, second section, and optional third section) that can be independently removed. Each section maintains structural integrity through interlocking features while allowing progressive removal during installation, reducing the force required compared to a single solid core.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes and lengths of solid cores are manufactured to accommodate different cable accessory sizes, then various cable accessory sizes are supported, but manufacturing and planning costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single modular support core design with interchangeable sections can accommodate multiple cable accessory sizes. The first and second sections can be configured in different combinations to fit various diameter and length requirements, eliminating the need to manufacture separate solid cores for each accessory size while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wound ribbon support core construction is used, then various lengths and diameters can be created, but customers prefer solid polymer construction for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The support core uses a segmented solid polymer construction where multiple solid sections are connected through interlocking features. This provides both the solid polymer construction customers prefer for installation and the configuration flexibility to create various lengths and diameters by assembling different numbers and sizes of sections.
Data Source
AI summary
A support core for an elastic sleeve comprises a first cylindrical section disengagably connected to a second cylindrical section. Each cylindrical section has an annular sidewall made up of a plurality of interlocking concave plates extending longitudinally along a portion of the support core between a abutment end and a distal end. The abutment end of each cylinder section includes a generally helical edge. The plurality of concave plates comprises a top and bottom surfaces, having two opposing longitudinal edges extending between said surfaces on opposite sides of the concave plate. Each of the longitudinal edges comprises an interlocking feature that configure to connect to a mating feature of at least one other concave plate to form one of cylindrical sections of the support core.