Bidirectional Wedge Clamp for Cable Slippage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable anchoring methods face challenges in securing cables without threads, requiring specialized tools or hydraulic systems, and often fail to prevent bidirectional slippage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A self-tightening wedge clamp with wedge-like plates and a surrounding sleeve that uses bolts for assembly, allowing for bidirectional clamping and slippage prevention through a wedge action, enabling easy installation with conventional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional cable anchoring methods are used (multi-strand anchorage, thread-bearing sleeves, bird cage formation), then cables can be secured, but installation requires specialized tools or complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate halves that can be independently positioned and secured around the cable. Each half contains wedge elements that can be independently adjusted, allowing for simplified installation without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge elements are designed to automatically tighten and secure the cable when the clamp halves are assembled together. The self-tightening mechanism eliminates the need for specialized installation tools or complex adjustment procedures, as the clamp secures itself through the wedge action of its components.
2Reliability
If button anchors with compression rings or set screws are used, then cable slippage is prevented, but specialized tools are required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge elements automatically engage and tighten against the cable when the clamp halves are assembled, providing self-tightening action that prevents slippage without requiring specialized tools or manual adjustment of compression rings and set screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical system of compression rings and set screws is replaced with a wedge-based mechanical system. The wedge elements convert the assembly force directly into clamping force on the cable, providing reliable slippage prevention through pure wedge action rather than threaded fastening.
3Reliability
If bidirectional wedge systems with multiple connection points are used, then slippage is prevented in both directions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into two halves, each containing wedge elements that provide bidirectional slippage prevention. By distributing the wedge elements across separate halves rather than requiring a single complex interlocking structure, the design achieves bidirectional security with reduced overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge elements are configured with asymmetric geometry that provides different engagement characteristics for upward and downward cable movement. This asymmetric wedge design enables bidirectional slippage prevention through a relatively simple structural arrangement rather than requiring symmetric multi-point connection mechanisms.
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
The wedge clamp effectively secures cables in either direction along their longitudinal axis, preventing slippage and allowing for easy installation using standard tools, addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a line is to be clamped between the plates of said two members through a wedge action
Implementation Method 2
the sleeve and the wedge plates are adapted to be in an inseparable (or linked) condition at any time by means of bolts mounted on the sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional, wedge clamp is disclosed. Conventional clamps, such as those used with electrical cables mainly secure a line in a single direction. The invention herein being comprised of a bidirectional clamp for conventional cables, wires and rope etc. (herein referred to as a ‘line’) having a simple and easily-operable construction, wherein two plate-like members and an outer sleeve-like member are telescopically assembled to clamp a line there between. Plates and sleeve members having a plurality of interconnected, opposing number of wedges that when acted upon in a lateral motion by a line there between, causing said wedges to slide against one another—thereby tightening down the plates onto said line and preventing slippage. An object of the invention is to clamp a line and prevent slipping laterally in either direction along the line's longitudinal axis.