Tension Drive Element for Cable Threading in Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for threading strands of cables into conduits, especially in non-rectilinear structures like domes, often result in the winch cable entering the bundle of already threaded strands, causing tangling and damage, particularly in curved or inverted U-shaped conduit configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a tension drive element is used to thread strands or sub-groups of cables without penetrating the bundle of already threaded strands, with dimensions and stiffness adapted to prevent interference, using a shuttle for temporary coupling and winches for controlled tension and braking, ensuring the drive element does not enter the bundle and allowing for efficient progression and decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional winch cable is used to thread strands into a conduit, then the threading operation can be performed, but the winch cable may enter the bundle of already threaded strands causing tangling and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drive element as an intermediary component between the winch cable and the strands to be threaded. This drive element has a substantially continuous and flat shape with sufficient dimensions to prevent rotation and penetration into the strand bundle. The drive element acts as a mediator that transfers the pulling force from the winch cable to the strands without the cable itself contacting the strand bundle, thereby eliminating tangling and damage risks while maintaining threading functionality
2Productivity
If the winch cable is used to pull strands through curved conduit sections, then threading can be achieved, but the cable may become tangled with existing strands
Solution Approach 1:
The drive element serves as a mediator that simplifies the threading process in curved conduit sections. By having a flat, continuous shape with sufficient transverse dimensions, it prevents rotation and entanglement while being pulled through curves by the winch cable. This intermediary component reduces the complexity of cable management by ensuring the cable remains external to the strand bundle throughout the threading operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the drive element - specifically its substantially continuous and flat shape, and its sufficient transverse dimensions - to prevent rotation and penetration into the strand bundle. These parameter changes enable the drive element to navigate curved conduit sections without becoming tangled, thereby improving threading efficiency while reducing operational complexity
3Force
If the winch cable contacts the strands during threading, then force can be applied, but damage to the strands may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The drive element acts as a protective intermediary between the winch cable and the strands. It has sufficient dimensions and a flat shape that prevents rotation, ensuring that the winch cable pulls the drive element without the cable contacting the strands. This intermediary arrangement allows full pulling force to be applied to thread the strands through the conduit while completely eliminating the harmful contact that causes strand damage
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a method for pulling strands or sub-groups of strands of a multi-strand cable into a conduit (3). In accordance with this method, a strand or sub-group of strands (2) to be pulled into the conduit is conveyed from one end of the conduit to the other by the movement of a drive element (1) in tension, to which the strand or sub-group of strands is temporarily coupled. In addition, the drive element in tension is designed not to enter a bundle of previously installed strands.