Reciprocating Spur Gear Cable Tensioner for Aramid Tape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tensioning and knotting cable lacing tapes are labor-intensive and require complex mechanisms, making them costly and time-consuming, and the aramid fiber tape with synthetic rubber coating is difficult to grip due to its lubricant and abrasive nature.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating spur gear mechanism with meshed gears and a ratchet hub is used to build tension in the cable lacing tape, enhanced by directional changes and folding, allowing for easier grip and activation of the retainer, and an optional cutting device for trimming the tape once tension is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-tying method is used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable lacing tape device is designed to be self-actuating, where the free end of the tape itself activates the retainer mechanism through pull tension. The device automatically tensions and secures the tape without requiring external manual manipulation or complex tooling, thus maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically increasing installation speed and productivity.
2Productivity
If automated knot-tying device is used, then productivity increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex knot-tying mechanism from the system. Instead of using a shuttle, carriage rings, hooks, and multiple moving parts to wrap and tie knots, the invention uses a simple retainer mechanism that is directly actuated by the tape tension itself. This removes the disturbing complex mechanism while preserving the productivity benefit of automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the tension from the tape's own free end to automatically activate the retainer, eliminating the need for external actuators, motors, or complex control systems. This self-service approach achieves automation with minimal mechanical complexity.
3Reliability
If aramid fiber tape with synthetic rubber coating is used, then performance characteristics are enhanced, but gripping difficulty increases due to lubricant and abrasive nature
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be gripped and actuated by the free end of the cable lacing tape itself. The tape's own tensile strength and friction characteristics are utilized to engage and activate the retainer mechanism, eliminating the need for external gripping tools that would struggle with the lubricant-coated aramid fiber surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer mechanism acts as an intermediary between the tape tension and the locking action. Instead of requiring direct gripping of the slippery tape surface, the retainer engages with the tape through a mechanical interaction that leverages the tape's own tension and friction properties to achieve secure engagement.
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 apparatus efficiently tensions and secures cable lacing tapes with reduced manual effort and complexity, effectively gripping the tape and activating the retainer, while also cutting the excess tape, improving the automation of the cable lacing process.
Implementation Method 1
A reciprocating spur gear mechanism with meshed gears is used to build tension in the cable lacing tape
Implementation Method 2
A reciprocating spur gear mechanism with meshed gears and a ratchet hub is used to build tension in the cable lacing tape
Implementation Method 3
the aramid fiber tape with synthetic rubber coating is difficult to grip due to its lubricant and abrasive nature
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for tensioning a material includes a housing, a spur shaft reciprocally coupled to the housing, a trigger operably coupled to the housing and to the spur shaft to effect translation of the spur shaft when the trigger is operably moved, a tensioning device mounted to the housing and operably coupled to the spur shaft such that translation of the spur shaft causes operation of the tensioning device, and a passage having an inlet and an outlet, the passage operably coupling the inlet and outlet to the tensioning device.