Swivel Cable Pulling Assembly with Flexible Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling devices for cables are lengthy and difficult to maneuver through bends in conduits, limiting their ability to be effectively pulled through passageways.
Innovation Solution
A swivel coupling assembly with flexible tension members and rotating heads, allowing the coupling device to adjust from a straight to a right-angle configuration, facilitating movement through bends with reduced friction using roller bearings for smooth rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional coupling device is used to connect two cables, then the cables can be pulled through the passageway, but the device is too lengthy to maneuver through bends in the passageway
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a flexible tension member that allows dynamic adjustment of the distance between the two heads. This flexibility enables the device to bend and navigate through curved passageways while maintaining structural integrity and cable connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension member is constructed as a flexible element that can bend and flex, allowing the coupling device to adapt to curved geometries in the passageway. This flexible component replaces rigid connecting structures, enabling maneuverability through bends without compromising the strength required to pull cables.
2Ease of operation
If the coupling device is made shorter to improve maneuverability, then it can navigate bends better, but it becomes difficult to withstand large pulling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The tension member's physical parameters (material properties, cross-sectional area, construction) are optimized to provide high strength-to-weight ratio and high flexibility. This allows the device to maintain short overall length for maneuverability while the tension member itself is engineered to withstand large pulling forces through appropriate material selection and dimensional design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling device allows rotation between heads, then cables can rotate relative to each other during pulling, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tension member inherently permits rotational movement between the two heads without requiring complex mechanical joints or bearings. The flexibility of the tension member allows the heads to rotate relative to each other as cables are pulled through curved passageways, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining adaptability.
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
Enables efficient and uncomplicated cable-pulling through conduits with enhanced maneuverability and the capacity to withstand large pulling forces, improving the device's ability to navigate bends and maintain cable alignment.
Implementation Method 1
with reduced friction using roller bearings for smooth rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel coupling assembly includes a first elongated head to which a first cable is connectable and a second elongated head to which a second cable is connectable. A flexible tension member includes one end section which extends through the first head and is prevented from passing out of the first head toward the second head, and the tension member includes an opposite end section which extends through the second head and is prevented from passing out of the second head toward the first head. The first head, the second head and the tension member are capable of being rotated relative to one another, and the flexible tension member possesses a length sufficient to permit the first and second heads to be moved relative to one another between a position at which the longitudinal axes of the first and second heads are substantially aligned and a position at which the longitudinal axes of the first and second heads are oriented at substantially a right angle.