Straight-Line Deformation Device for Cable Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorption systems for cable constructions, such as rockfall and snow protection, require high construction effort and are inefficient under extensive loads due to the need for bending or deflection of intermediate pieces to absorb energy.
Innovation Solution
A protection system that uses a deformation device to guide a material strip in a straight line through it, allowing energy absorption without bending, using a profiled or unprofiled material strip that is flattened by friction and plastic deformation to dissipate energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the intermediate piece is bent or deflected over the deflection element to absorb energy, then energy absorption is achieved, but construction effort increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the deflection element from the system and replaces it with a deformation device that guides the material strip in a straight line. The energy absorption function is maintained through direct deformation of the material strip between two support points, eliminating the need for complex deflection mechanisms while preserving the shock absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of bending the material strip over a deflection element (curved path), the invention inverts the approach by guiding the material strip in a straight line through the deformation device. The energy absorption is achieved through controlled deformation in a linear path rather than through bending over a curved surface, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Loss of energy
If the intermediate piece is bent or deflected to absorb energy, then energy absorption is achieved, but the device requires additional components to maintain deflection angle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the deflection element and angle-maintaining components from the system. The material strip is guided directly in a straight line between two support points, and energy absorption is achieved through the deformation of the material strip itself rather than through bending over a deflection element, thereby eliminating unnecessary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the support function and the deformation function into a single integrated structure. The two support points both provide structural support and define the deformation zone, eliminating the need for separate deflection elements and angle-maintaining devices that would otherwise be required in traditional designs.
3Device complexity
If the material strip is guided in a straight line through the deformation device, then construction effort is reduced and device complexity is simplified, but energy absorption capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the deformation parameters by guiding the material strip in a straight line with controlled deformation between two support points. The energy absorption capability is maintained by optimizing the material strip properties and the deformation device geometry, allowing sufficient energy dissipation through plastic deformation in a linear path rather than through bending.
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
This approach simplifies the structural design, reduces the need for maintaining deflection angles, and effectively absorbs energy by adjusting the deformation gap, making it suitable for applications like rockfall protection without the inefficiencies of previous systems.
Implementation Method 1
by the application of friction and by plastic deformation, produces the required energy absorption
Implementation Method 2
by the application of friction and by plastic deformation, produces the required energy absorption
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a method for energy dissipation with a deformable, longitudinally extending material strip which comprises a longitudinal axis and is installed into a cable which can be subjected to tension; and with a deformation device which is also installed into the cable and cooperates with the material strip, characterized in that the material strip, upon application of a tension force to the cable along its longitudinal axis, can be guided in a straight line through the deformation device and in so doing can be deformed.