Tension Member Feeding Device with Resistance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for feeding tension members into tubular channels, especially long and curved ducts, often result in blockages, which can damage the protective sheathing and lead to corrosion, requiring the feeding operation to be restarted with undamaged sheathing.
Innovation Solution
A tension member feeding device that automatically stops when resistance is met, allowing the tension member to be pulled back and preventing damage to the sheathing, enabling continued feeding without damaging the protective coating, thus protecting the tension member from corrosion until the duct is filled with a protective filler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the feeding device continues pushing the tension member after blockage detection, then the feeding operation can be completed, but the protective sheathing gets damaged causing corrosion risk
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding device incorporates a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the pushing force applied to the tension member. When the force exceeds a predetermined threshold indicating blockage, the system automatically stops the feeding operation, preventing sheathing damage while avoiding unnecessary interruptions for normal variations in resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a safety threshold for pushing force before the feeding operation begins. This predetermined force limit acts as a cushion against potential sheathing damage by ensuring that even if blockage occurs, the force applied will not exceed levels that could damage the protective sheathing
2Reliability
If the feeding operation is stopped when resistance is detected, then the protective sheathing is protected from damage, but the feeding operation must be restarted
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous monitoring of pushing force provides real-time feedback that allows the system to distinguish between temporary resistance (normal friction) and genuine blockage (excessive force). This intelligent feedback mechanism minimizes unnecessary stoppages while still protecting the sheathing, thereby reducing time loss without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pushing force parameter based on real-time conditions. By monitoring force variations and comparing them against threshold values, the system can maintain feeding operation continuity for normal resistance while automatically stopping only when blockage is confirmed, thus balancing productivity and sheathing protection
3Productivity
If a high pushing force is applied to feed the tension member through long and curved ducts, then the feeding operation can overcome blockages, but the protective sheathing may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback-controlled pushing mechanism continuously monitors the actual force being applied and automatically adjusts it to remain within safe thresholds. This allows the system to maintain sufficient pushing force to overcome normal friction in long and curved ducts while preventing damage from excessive force, even when blockages occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the pushing force parameter by establishing a maximum safe threshold that is sufficient for feeding through difficult duct configurations but below the level that could damage the sheathing. This parameter control enables continuous feeding operation through long and curved ducts without compromising sheathing integrity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention concerns a tension member feeding device (101) for feeding a tension member (105) into a channel (103) in a construction element. The feeding device (101) comprises: tension member feeding means (107) and resistance detection means (109). The feeding device (101) is arranged to stop feeding of the tension member (105) once the resistance detection means (109) detects that the tension member meets a given resistance.