Synthetic Cable Termination Using Strand Collectors and Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for terminating large synthetic cables fail to maintain consistent and repeatable alignment, leading to reduced ultimate tensile strength and variability in termination performance due to the low stiffness and scalability issues of synthetic filaments.
Innovation Solution
Divide the cable into smaller components suitable for prior art termination technology, create terminations on each component, and use a collector to reassemble them into a single unit while maintaining alignment between the terminations and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If direct replacement of traditional wire rope with large synthetic cable is attempted, then tensile strength is improved, but termination reliability deteriorates due to scalability issues and non-parallel construction
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into multiple strand groups, each terminated separately with individual sockets. This segmentation allows each termination point to handle smaller, more manageable loads while maintaining the overall high tensile strength of the cable. The non-parallel construction is accommodated by allowing each strand group to be terminated independently at different angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point termination approach to a multi-point termination distribution in three-dimensional space. Multiple sockets are positioned at different locations and orientations to accommodate the non-parallel strand arrangement, effectively distributing the termination function across multiple dimensions rather than forcing all strands into a single termination plane.
2Device complexity
If small cable termination technology is scaled up for large cables, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to alignment inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to terminate all strands at a single point (which would require complex alignment equipment), the invention segments the termination into multiple simpler socket attachments. Each socket handles a subset of strands, reducing the alignment precision required for each individual attachment while maintaining overall cable performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Each socket is designed to handle specific local conditions of its associated strand group, including variations in strand angle and position. This local optimization allows each termination point to be precisely adapted to its specific geometric requirements rather than forcing all strands into a uniform termination configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-parallel strand construction is used in large cables, then adaptability is improved, but termination precision deteriorates due to variability in strand angles and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The termination system is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing each socket to accommodate variations in strand angle and position. The sockets can be positioned and oriented independently to match the actual geometry of each strand group, transforming the static precision requirement into a dynamic adaptation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows termination parameters (socket position, orientation, and attachment geometry) to be varied for each strand group to accommodate the non-parallel construction. Rather than maintaining fixed termination parameters, the system adjusts these parameters locally to match the actual strand configuration, preserving precision despite geometric variability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for terminating a multi-stranded, non-parallel cable. An anchor is provided on the end of each strand. A collector is provided to link the anchors and connected strands into a single unit. An alignment fixture is provided to transition the strands from the non-parallel lay within the cable to a parallel path adjacent to the anchors.