Winch Load-Bearing Data Cables for Power and Data Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift systems for concert staging elements lack efficient mechanisms for supporting, raising, and lowering performance components while maintaining reliable power and data connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A winch system with load-bearing signal cables and a signal distribution module that includes data cabling connectors, power cabling connectors, and a slip-ring module to maintain connectivity during cable extension and retraction, utilizing components like NE8FDY-C6 connectors, NAC3FPX-ST-TOP connectors, SW-104 Ethernet switches, and AC7203 slip-ring modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If load-bearing cables are used to raise and lower staging elements, then the staging elements can be moved vertically, but power and data connectivity is lost during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines load-bearing cable functions with signal transmission functions by integrating power cables and data cables into the same cable assembly that supports the staging elements. This merging allows the cable to simultaneously bear mechanical loads and transmit electrical signals, eliminating the disconnectivity problem during vertical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support for raising and lowering staging elements, transmits power to electrical equipment, and carries data signals for control and communication. This multi-functionality ensures continuous connectivity throughout the movement process.
2Reliability
If traditional cable systems are used for power and data, then connectivity can be maintained, but the system becomes overly complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple separate cable systems (load-bearing cables, power cables, and data cables) into a single integrated cable assembly, the patent dramatically reduces the number of individual components that need to be managed, routed, and maintained, thereby simplifying the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal cable assembly design allows a single cable to fulfill multiple roles, eliminating the need for separate cable management systems for each function. This multi-functional approach streamlines installation, operation, and maintenance while maintaining reliable connectivity.
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 reliable power and data transmission to staging items as they are raised or lowered, ensuring seamless operation and connectivity of lighting, speakers, and display screens.
Implementation Method 1
a slip-ring module to maintain connectivity during cable extension and retraction
Data Source
AI summary
A winch system may include, but is not limited to: a winch device; one or more load bearing data cables configured to be spooled about a reel of the winch device, the one or more load bearing data cables including: one or more load bearing cables; andone or more data transfer wires; at least one pipe portion couplable to the one or more load bearing cables, wherein the at least one pipe portion includes one or more data cable connectors coupled to the data transfer wires.