Portable Wire Rope Clamp Stand with Adjustable Tensioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for cutting wire rope and attaching fittings are time-consuming, inconsistent, and can compromise the integrity of the wire rope, while permanent installations are large, unwieldy, and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A portable wire rope clamp stand with adjustable clamps and an extension for holding fittings, featuring a stand, cross-members, clamp arms, clamps, an adjustment wheel, and screw mechanism, allowing for precise tensioning and secure fitting installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If bench vises, clamps, and hand tools are used for cutting wire rope and attaching fittings, then the equipment is simple and portable, but the process is time-consuming and yields inconsistent results

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidtime-consuming
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the wire rope processing into distinct functional zones: a cutting station with a cutting wheel for clean cuts, and a fitting installation station with clamps and alignment pins. This segmentation allows each station to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall processing time while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates preliminary alignment features such as alignment pins and pre-positioned clamps that prepare the wire rope and fittings for installation before the actual securing process. This preliminary action ensures consistent positioning and reduces adjustment time during the fitting installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If bench vises, clamps, and hand tools are used for cutting wire rope and attaching fittings, then the equipment is simple and portable, but the results are inconsistent and may compromise integrity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidconsistency of results
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates preliminary alignment features such as alignment pins and pre-positioned clamps that prepare the wire rope and fittings for installation before the actual securing process. This preliminary action ensures consistent positioning and reduces adjustment time during the fitting installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs self-aligning features including alignment pins that automatically guide the wire rope into the correct position, and self-adjusting clamps that maintain consistent tension. These self-service mechanisms reduce operator skill requirements and ensure consistent results across different users and applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If permanent installations are used for cutting wire rope and attaching fittings, then consistent results are achieved, but the equipment becomes large, unwieldy, and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of resultsVSAvoidlarge and unwieldy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges multiple functions (cutting, clamping, aligning, and fitting installation) into a single integrated portable unit. The cutting wheel, clamps, alignment pins, and fitting holders are all combined in one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools and permanent installations while maintaining consistent results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with universal applicability for various wire rope diameters and fitting types. The adjustable clamps and modular design allow the same portable device to handle different applications, replacing the need for multiple specialized permanent installations while maintaining consistency across diverse wire rope processing tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 quick, consistent, and secure cutting and fitting of wire rope without compromising its integrity, offering a cost-effective and portable solution for various industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustment screw; and an adjustment gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

Turning the adjustment wheel to place tension on the wire rope

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

an adjustment gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS10173276B2Apparatus and method of preparing wire rope
Publication Date: 2019.01.08 MAZZELLA LIFTING TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US10173276B2 patent drawing
  • US10173276B2 patent drawing
  • US10173276B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is an apparatus for preparing wire rope having a stand; a first cross-member; a second cross-member; a first clamp arm; a second clamp arm; a first clamp; a second clamp; an adjustment wheel; an adjustment screw; and an adjustment gear; wherein the second cross-member is at least partially contained within the first cross-member; wherein the first clamp is disposed at the distal end of the first clamp arm, the second clamp is disposed at the distal end of the second clamp arm, and wherein the first and second clamp arm are spaced from each other; and wherein the distance between the first and second clamp arm is adjustable. Also provided is a method of use for the same.