Slotted Cable Retainer for Lifting Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting assemblies face difficulties in securely attaching and easily replacing long wire ropes due to cumbersome assembly processes, particularly with split retainer arrangements that are prone to incorrect installation, especially under varying tension and compressive forces.
Innovation Solution
A slotted cable retainer with angularly oriented slot portions is introduced, allowing for one-handed installation and secure retention of the cable end fitting within a cable end housing, enhancing assembly ease and reliability by eliminating the need for multiple components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional split retainer arrangement is used to securely attach the cable end fitting, then the cable can be retained under tension forces, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and difficult for human operators, and incorrect installation is prone to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cable retainer is designed as a single piece with an integrated slot that has multiple angularly oriented portions, dividing the retention path into segments that guide the cable through different orientations. This segmentation allows the cable to be fed through easily while maintaining secure retention, resolving the contradiction between assembly ease and retention security.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable retainer's slot geometry is designed to automatically guide and position the cable end fitting as it is inserted, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment or multiple components. The cable itself serves to position the end fitting correctly within the slot during insertion, making the assembly process self-guiding and error-proof.
2Reliability
If multiple components (retainer ring, split retainers) are used to secure the cable, then the cable can be retained under both tension and compression forces, but the device complexity increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the retainer ring and split retainers into a single integrated cable retainer component. This single piece includes a slot that provides both the retention function and the structural support previously requiring multiple separate parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability under tension and compression forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece cable retainer performs multiple functions: it acts as both the retainer ring and the split retainers, provides structural support, guides cable insertion through its angular slot portions, and secures the cable end fitting. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components while maintaining all necessary retention capabilities.
3Reliability
If the cable is required to be securely attached to prevent inadvertent removal, then the cable retention security is improved, but the ease of replacement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is divided into angularly oriented portions that guide the cable through a specific insertion path. During installation, the cable follows this guided path for secure attachment. During removal, the cable can be pulled along the same path in reverse, maintaining security during normal use while enabling easy replacement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable retainer allows dynamic movement of the cable during installation and removal phases, with the slot guiding the cable through angular portions. Once installed, the geometry of the slot and cable interaction provides secure retention. The system transitions from a dynamic insertion state to a static retained state, enabling both secure attachment and easy replacement.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A lifting assembly (10) is provided. The lifting assembly includes a cable end housing (12) defining an inner cavity (14). The lifting assembly also includes a retainer ring (20) disposed in the inner cavity at an end thereof. The lifting assembly further includes a cable retainer (26) disposed in the inner cavity of the cable end housing and operative to retain a cable end fitting of a cable (18), the cable retainer extending from a first end to a second end and defining a slot (38) extending from the first end to the second end to provide installation and removal access of the cable end fitting, the slot having a first slot portion (50) and a second slot portion (52) that are angularly oriented relative to each other.