Textile Fibre Wire Terminal With Mortise-Tenon Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminals for textile fibre wires used in nautical rigging are bulky, heavy, and require multiple components, lacking versatility and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A terminal design featuring a mortise and tenon interlocking joint between a thimble and connector, with form-fitting connections and optional tooth-like formations, allowing for a compact, stable, and reliable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional terminal design with pin connection is used, then the structural connection between thimble and connector is achieved, but the assembly becomes heavier and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thimble and connector into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate pin connections. The thimble-connector unit features a unified structure where the connector portion extends from the thimble body, creating a compact assembly that maintains structural strength while reducing overall weight by removing redundant fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pin component from the terminal assembly. By removing the separate pin that traditionally connected the thimble and connector, the design achieves weight reduction and improved compactness while maintaining the structural connection through the integrated thimble-connector geometry.
2Strength
If multiple components are used in the terminal, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the number of components increases and assembly complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional terminal components (thimble, connector, pin) into a single integrated thimble-connector unit. This merging reduces the component count from three separate parts to one unified component, simplifying assembly while maintaining structural integrity through the integrated design geometry.
3Strength
If a traditional terminal design is used, then the mechanical strength is satisfactory, but the terminal lacks versatility when changing connector threads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the connector portion with universal adaptability, allowing different thread configurations and connector types to be integrated into the same thimble-connector unit. This multi-functionality enables the terminal to accommodate various connector threads and configurations without requiring complete redesign, enhancing versatility while maintaining mechanical strength through the robust integrated structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~8
Figure 9~14
AI summary
Terminal (3) for wires (1) made of textile fibre, comprising a thimble (4; 204) for fixedly joining to the wire (1) and a connector (5; 205) which can be fixedly joined to the thimble (4; 204) by way of respective engaging means and counter-means, the engaging means and counter-means comprising at least one respective form-fitting interlocking connection of the tenon and mortise type between the thimble (4; 204) and the connector (5; 205), wherein the thimble (4; 204) comprises opposite faces (7), each one comprising a mortise type formation (10) and a tenon type formation (9, 20) which are adjacent, the connector (5) comprises walls (15) which are opposite and the mutually facing surfaces of which each comprise a respective second tenon type formation (16, 17) and a respective second mortise type formation (16a, 19) which are adjacent, corresponding tenon type formations (9, 20) and mortise type formations (10) of the thimble (4) being suitable for mutual connection to the respective second mortise type formations (16a, 19) and the respective second tenon type formations (16, 17) of the connector (5).