Synthetic Tensile Member Length Stabilization by Preloading

Solution Overview

Problem

Producing synthetic tensile members with consistent and predictable overall length is challenging due to varying mechanical properties of synthetic filaments, manufacturing variations, elastic bending during production, temperature sensitivity, and unpredictable length changes during termination addition, leading to instability and uneven load distribution in applications requiring precise length and stability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving attaching terminations to synthetic filament assemblies, subjecting them to a defined loading process to stabilize length, measuring, and adding a length-adjustment component to achieve a precise and stable length suitable for specific applications, using equipment like tensioning rigs and length-adjustment components such as extension links and bushings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If synthetic filaments are used to create tensile members, then strength is improved, but length consistency deteriorates due to varying mechanical properties and manufacturing variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidlength consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-conditioning synthetic tensile members through controlled loading processes before final installation. This conditioning stabilizes the filaments and reduces subsequent length changes, ensuring consistent length performance. The method involves applying predetermined loads to set the synthetic filaments in a stable configuration before they are installed in their final application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If terminations are added to synthetic tensile members, then load transmission is improved, but length stability deteriorates due to unpredictable length changes during termination addition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload transmission capabilityVSAvoidlength stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-conditioning synthetic tensile members through controlled loading processes before final installation. This conditioning stabilizes the filaments and reduces subsequent length changes, ensuring consistent length performance. The method involves applying predetermined loads to set the synthetic filaments in a stable configuration before they are installed in their final application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying loading parameters (magnitude, duration, cycles) during the conditioning process. This controlled variation of mechanical parameters stabilizes the synthetic filaments' mechanical properties and length characteristics, making them predictable for subsequent termination addition and final installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If synthetic filament assemblies are used, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature sensitivity and elastic bending during production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication flexibilityVSAvoidlength measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying loading parameters (magnitude, duration, cycles) during the conditioning process. This controlled variation of mechanical parameters stabilizes the synthetic filaments' mechanical properties and length characteristics, making them predictable for subsequent termination addition and final installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by implementing measurement and control mechanisms during the conditioning process. Length measurements are taken at various stages, and loading parameters are adjusted based on observed behavior to achieve target length stability. This feedback loop compensates for temperature sensitivity and elastic bending effects.

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

Enables the creation of synthetic filament tensile members with predictable and stable lengths, addressing the issues of length consistency and stability without the need for field adjustment devices, ensuring accurate and reliable performance in applications like crane booms and bridge stays.

Implementation Method 1

An initial 'stretch' will occur, after which a wire rope remains in the 'set' state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

This process involves applying tension to tighten the interwoven nature of the strands within the rope

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS11441263B2Method and apparatus for producing a synthetic tensile member with a precise length and enhanced stability

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 BRIGHT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A method for producing a synthetic tensile member having a precisely known and stable length. The invention also comprises equipment configured to carry out the method. A tensile member is prepared by attaching terminations to an assembly of synthetic filaments. The tensile member is then attached to a loading apparatus that subjects the tensile member to a pre-defined loading process. The tensile member is thereby conditioned to a stable length. The length is then measured and a length adjusting component is incorporated into the tensile member to create a precise and stabilized length that is configured for the tensile member's particular application.