Single-Screw Rope Terminator for Serviceable High-Grip Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current termination and connection methods for ropes, such as compressible metal sleeves and Crosby-style clamps, face challenges including difficult installation, requirement of multiple connectors, and lower cable grip strength, which are not serviceable once installed.
Innovation Solution
The development of serviceable cable termination connectors featuring a screw and base housing configuration with open slots, through-ports, or oblong slots that allow for easier installation and higher grip strength, utilizing a tapered screw to push cables into circular pockets for clamping, often requiring only one connector per termination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Crosby-style clamps or compression sleeves are used for cable termination, then the connection can be made, but the installation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two main segments: a base housing with cable receiving slots and a separate screw component. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where cables are first placed in the base housing slots, then the screw is simply threaded in to secure them, eliminating the complex multi-step installation of traditional clamps
Solution Approach 2:
The base housing is pre-configured with open slots and circular pockets positioned to receive and guide the cables before the screw is installed. This preliminary arrangement of cable pathways and clamping positions allows for rapid cable insertion without requiring precise alignment during the final tightening step
2Device complexity
If traditional clamp connectors are used, then connection is achieved, but multiple connectors are required per termination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple traditional clamp components into a single integrated connector assembly. The base housing contains multiple cable receiving slots and circular pockets that can accommodate multiple cables, while a single screw secures all cables simultaneously, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate clamp connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The base housing is designed as a universal component that can receive and secure multiple different cables through its multiple slots and pockets. This multi-functional design allows one connector to perform the work of several traditional single-cable connectors, reducing overall system complexity
3Strength
If traditional clamp connectors are used, then connection is made, but cable grip strength is reduced to approximately 80% of rated breaking strength
Solution Approach 1:
The screw applies localized clamping pressure specifically at the circular pockets where cables are positioned, concentrating the gripping force exactly where needed. This localized quality of clamping action ensures maximum grip strength on each individual cable, achieving 90-100% of the cable's rated breaking strength
Solution Approach 2:
The circular pockets in the base housing provide a curved, spherical-like contact surface that conforms to the cable shape. This curved geometry distributes the clamping force evenly around the cable circumference, maximizing grip strength and preventing slippage more effectively than flat clamp surfaces
4Ease of repair
If compressible metal sleeves or potting solutions are used, then permanent termination is achieved, but the connection becomes non-adjustable and non-serviceable
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a dynamic screw mechanism that can be rotated to adjust the clamping force on the cables. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the connection to be optimized for different cable sizes and tension requirements, and enables the connector to be loosened and repositioned for serviceability while maintaining a stable permanent connection when properly tightened
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 new connectors provide easier installation and achieve higher grip strength, typically reaching 90-100% of the rated breaking strength, while allowing for adjustability and serviceability, overcoming the limitations of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the screw pushes the cables into the circular pockets and clamps them to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A cable terminator connector includes a screw and base having a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings are configured to receive first and second cable portions wherein the screw is threaded into the base thereby pushing the first and second cable portions into the first and second openings and clamping the first and second cables portions into the base.