Compact Tractor Cable Pulling Attachment with Rotatable Spool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable-pulling systems for underground conduits are large, difficult to maneuver, result in messy cable disposal, often pull cables at an angle, and can cause cables to become stuck, necessitating lubrication and requiring costly trench digging for upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A compact tractor system with a boom, dipper, loader lifting arms, and a detachable rotatable spool assembly for straight cable extraction, along with a compressor and lubrication assembly for easy access and lubrication, allowing for efficient cable removal and coiling for easy disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If large trailer-based cable-pulling systems are used, then cable pulling capability is sufficient, but the system is difficult to move close to the location where the cable is to be pulled
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cable pulling function into separate components: a compact tractor provides mobility, while the cable pulling mechanism (boom, dipper, spool) is mounted as an attachable assembly. This segmentation allows the heavy-duty pulling capability to be transported only when needed, solving the contradiction between force capability and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The compact tractor serves multiple functions: it provides mobility to reach the jobsite, lifts and positions the cable pulling assembly, and powers the operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate large trailer-based systems, achieving both mobility and sufficient pulling capability.
2Productivity
If traditional cable pulling methods are used, then cables can be removed from conduits, but the removed cables are strewn about the ground in a messy pile
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable spool acts as an intermediary device between the conduit and the ground. As cable is pulled from the conduit, it is wound onto the spool which rotates to collect and organize the cable. This mediator prevents the cable from being strewn about, solving the messy disposal problem while maintaining efficient removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing cable to fall in a random two-dimensional pile on the ground, the spool organizes the cable in a three-dimensional coiled structure. The cable is elevated and contained in an organized manner, transforming the disposal from a messy ground-level pile to an organized vertical coil.
3Ease of operation
If cables are pulled at an angle rather than straight, then the pulling process is simpler, but friction increases and cables may become stuck in conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The dipper assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable in position and angle. It can be positioned to align with the conduit entrance and maintain a straight pulling path, while still being movable to accommodate different conduit locations. This dynamic positioning ensures straight cable extraction without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows real-time adjustment of the dipper and spool positions based on cable extraction progress. If resistance is encountered, the operator can adjust the alignment to ensure straight pulling, providing feedback-based correction to maintain reliability while keeping the process simple.
4Productivity
If cables are pulled without prior lubrication, then the pulling process is faster, but cables become stuck in conduits requiring lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to apply lubrication to the cable before it enters the conduit for pulling. This preliminary lubrication action reduces friction in advance, allowing faster pulling speeds without the cable becoming stuck, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication application is integrated into the continuous cable pulling process, ensuring that lubrication is applied continuously as the cable moves through the conduit. This continuous useful action maintains low friction throughout the entire extraction, enabling both speed and reliability.
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 efficient, cost-effective cable removal from underground conduits in a straight line, reducing mess and the need for extensive trench digging, while allowing for easy transportation and lubrication of cables, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable spool attached to the detachable mount, wherein the rotatable spool rotates around a vertical axis
Implementation Method 2
movement of the pair of loader lifting arms causes the rotatable spool to pivot about a horizontal axis
Implementation Method 3
a compressor for pressurizing the lubrication system
Implementation Method 4
a lubrication system for injecting lube into a conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A compact tractor equipped for pulling wire through underground conduits having a boom and dipper on the rear of the compact tractor and a rotatable witch's hat spool assembly on the front of the compact tractor, wherein the spool assembly is mounted onto the loader lifter arms such that it can be easily tilted to dump a roll of cable onto the back of a trailer.