Spring Cable Tensioner with Visual Indicia

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cable conveyor systems face challenges in maintaining proper cable tension, leading to issues like slippage, jamming, and damage due to wear or elongation, making it difficult to determine if tension is adequate during operation.

Innovation Solution

A cable tensioner system utilizing a spring with a visually apparent indicia, such as a reflective band, is connected to the conveyor system to monitor and maintain optimal cable tension through calibrated markings and adjustable components, allowing for manual or automated adjustments to ensure proper operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring is used to maintain cable tension, then cable tension is maintained within a predetermined range, but the complexity of the tensioning system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable tension maintenanceVSAvoidtensioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-based tensioning system automatically maintains cable tension through the spring's inherent elastic properties. As the cable elongates or contracts, the spring deflates or inflates accordingly, providing self-regulating tension without requiring external control mechanisms or complex adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes changes in spring deflection (physical parameter) to indicate changes in cable tension. The visual indicia on the spring changes its appearance state based on the tension level, providing a direct parameter-based indication of tension status without complex sensors or displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If visual indicia are added to indicate tension levels, then tension monitoring is simplified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetension monitoringVSAvoidindicia system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring includes visual indicia such as colored bands or markings that change their appearance (color, position, or visibility) based on the spring's deflection state. This allows operators to quickly assess cable tension by observing the indicia's visual characteristics, eliminating the need for complex digital displays or sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The visual indicia act as an intermediary between the spring's mechanical state and the operator's perception. Instead of requiring direct measurement devices or complex interfaces, the indicia translates the spring's physical deflection into an immediately understandable visual signal that facilitates easy tension monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the cable tension is increased to prevent slippage, then cable grip on drive pulley improves, but the risk of cable damage and system wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable gripVSAvoidcable damage and wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-based system allows dynamic adjustment of tension parameters based on actual cable conditions. As the cable undergoes wear or elongation, the spring automatically adjusts its force output to maintain optimal tension, preventing both insufficient grip and excessive tension that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The visual indicia provide continuous feedback on tension status, allowing operators to monitor whether the tension is within the optimal range. This feedback mechanism enables timely adjustments to prevent both under-tensioning (which causes slippage) and over-tensioning (which causes damage).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively maintains cable tension within a predetermined range, preventing damage and ensuring consistent performance by providing a clear visual indication of tension levels, enabling timely adjustments to prevent over-tightening or under-tightening.

Implementation Method 1

a spring having a first position, the spring operatively connectable to a cable conveyor system; and visually apparent indicia corresponding to a force applied to a cable of the cable conveyor system as a result of a spring deflection away from the first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10421614B2Cable tensioner
Publication Date: 2019.09.24 DYCO INC
  • US10421614B2 patent drawing
  • US10421614B2 patent drawing
  • US10421614B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cable tensioner is provided including a spring having a first position, the spring operatively connectable to a cable conveyor system, and visually apparent indicia corresponding to a force applied to a cable of the cable conveyor system as a result of a spring deflection away from the first position, the force placing the cable of the cable conveyor system in tension.