Wicking Material Anchor for Insulated Cable Creep

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unarmoured electrical power cables experience reduced friction and anchoring efficacy due to creep in polymeric materials under continuous force, affecting the effectiveness of cable entry devices.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a wicking material and a settable adhesive is used to form a projecting anchor on the insulated cable, where the adhesive is introduced into the wicking material, which bonds to the insulation, creating a stable anchor without continuous compression, using suitable materials like crushed expanded perlite or ethylcyanoacrylate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If continuous compression force is applied to achieve required friction, then anchoring force is improved, but material creep increases reducing long-term reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction forceVSAvoidanchoring efficacy over time

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive is applied to the cable surface before the anchoring device is fully assembled and loaded. This preliminary application allows the adhesive to begin bonding immediately, creating initial anchoring strength before creep can significantly degrade the friction-based connection. The adhesive sets during the installation process itself, not after prolonged compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the purely mechanical friction-based anchoring system with a chemical bonding system. Instead of relying solely on elastomeric friction under continuous compression, the adhesive creates molecular bonds between the anchoring device and cable surface, substituting mechanical interlocking with chemical bonding that is resistant to creep.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If elastomeric element presses hard onto cable sheath, then friction force is sufficient, but creep of polymeric materials reduces friction over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction forceVSAvoidcontinuous force duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical friction (dependent on continuous compression) to chemical adhesion (dependent on molecular bonding). This parameter change in the interaction mechanism allows anchoring strength to be maintained without prolonged compressive force, as the adhesive bonds remain effective without continuous pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous mechanical compression system is replaced with a chemical bonding system. The adhesive creates permanent molecular bonds that do not degrade under sustained loading conditions, eliminating the creep problem inherent in elastomeric-friction-based anchoring where continuous force is required to maintain friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If compression nuts are used to maintain friction, then anchoring is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring efficacyVSAvoidcable entry device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the compression nut component from the cable entry device assembly. By using adhesive bonding instead of mechanical compression, the complex adjustment and compression mechanisms are eliminated, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining or improving anchoring reliability through chemical bonding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical compression nut system is replaced with a chemical adhesive bonding system. This substitution eliminates the need for threaded adjustments, compression springs, and associated mechanical components, significantly reducing device complexity and facilitating easier installation without compromising anchoring efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method provides a durable and effective anchor that maintains friction over time, eliminating creep and the need for compression nuts, facilitating easy installation and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

allowing the liquid, settable adhesive to be wicked into the wicking material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

bond the wicking material to the insulation of the cable and form a projecting anchor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9461450B2Method of forming an anchor on an insulated cable

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 PRATLEY INVESTMENTS

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of forming an anchor on an insulated cable so as, for example, to attach an electrical power cable to an electrical apparatus. The method includes the steps of providing a wicking material in contact with the insulation of the cable; introducing a liquid, settable adhesive into the wicking material on the insulated cable; and allowing the liquid, settable adhesive to be wicked into the wicking material and to set so as to bond the wicking material to the insulation of the cable and form a projecting anchor on the insulated cable.