Torsion Device for Cable Orientation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lightweight objects suspended by cables often tilt undesirably due to small torsional forces, making it difficult to maintain a desired orientation, and reinforcing cables can be complex and aesthetically unpleasing.

Innovation Solution

A torsion device with fixedly mounted components on a cable that can be rotated and locked to adjust and maintain the orientation of suspended objects, allowing for quick and cost-effective alignment without modifying the object or cable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If reinforcing wires are added to the cable to increase torsion resistance, then the cable becomes more rigid and torsion-resistant, but the device complexity increases and aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorsion resistanceVSAvoidcable structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A torsion device is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable and the hanging object. This device includes a first component fixedly mounted on a first part of the cable, a second component fixedly mounted on a second part of the cable, and connection means to rotatably connect these components. By rotating the first component relative to the second component, torsion is applied to the cable without modifying the cable itself, thus maintaining its simple structure and aesthetic appearance while achieving the desired orientation control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If reinforcing wires are added to the cable to increase torsion resistance, then the cable becomes more rigid and torsion-resistant, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorsion resistanceVSAvoidcable preparation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The torsion device serves as a separate manufacturable component that attaches to the existing cable. The first and second components can be manufactured independently and then fixedly mounted to the cable at different positions. This approach allows the cable to remain simple and easy to manufacture, while the torsion device itself handles the complexity of torsion control through its rotatable connection means and locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If the hanging object is made from lightweight material to achieve desired aesthetic appearance, then the aesthetic appeal improves, but the stability of orientation deteriorates due to sensitivity to torsional forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidorientation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The torsion device acts as a mediator that applies controlled torsion to the cable to orient the lightweight hanging object. The locking means within the torsion device maintain the applied torsion, preventing unwanted rotation even though the lightweight object itself provides no resistance to torsional forces. This allows the object to maintain its lightweight, aesthetic properties while achieving stable orientation through the external torsion device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The torsion device applies the necessary torsion to the cable in advance to achieve the desired orientation of the hanging object. Once the object is oriented correctly, the locking means engage to maintain this orientation without requiring continuous adjustment. This preliminary action ensures that lightweight objects, which are otherwise prone to unwanted rotation, maintain their desired orientation stably.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2817560B1Torsion device for cable supporting a hanging object
Publication Date: 2015.10.14 KL SOLUTIONS
  • EP2817560B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP2817560B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4f
  • EP2817560B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Torsion device (16) for mounting along a cable (12) supporting a hanging object (10). The torsion device (16) comprises a first component (18) that is arranged to be fixedly mounted on a first part of said cable (12) and a second component (20) that is arranged to be fixedly mounted on a second part of said cable (12). The torsion device (16) also comprises connection means to rotatably connect said first component (18) to said second component (20), and locking means to lock the first component (18) and the second component (20) in a desired relative position, whereby a torsion between said first part of said cable (12) and said second part of said cable (12) may be established and/or adjusted and/or maintained, thereby enabling said hanging object (10) to be oriented in a desired position.