Wire Tensioning Device with Spring-Loaded Slider Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tensioning devices for wires, such as cables or optical cables, face issues where insufficient tension causes wire slippage and excessive tension leads to damage, as the position of the tensioning roller is fixed and cannot adjust based on changing tension forces.

Innovation Solution

A tensioning device with a slider and spring mechanism that adjusts the position of the roller to increase tension when it's too low and decrease tension when it's too high, ensuring the wire is transported within a safe range by sliding between extreme positions in response to predetermined force thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the tension on the wire is increased to prevent slippage, then the wire conveyance reliability is improved, but the wire may be damaged by excessive tension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire conveyance reliabilityVSAvoidwire strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning roller is made movable along the wire direction through a slider mechanism, allowing the roller position to dynamically adjust according to wire tension requirements. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt tension forces in real-time rather than applying fixed tension, preventing both slippage and damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism changes the tension parameter dynamically by compressing or extending based on wire tension conditions. When wire tension is insufficient, the spring pushes the roller to increase friction; when tension is excessive, the roller moves to reduce tension, thus maintaining wire integrity while ensuring conveyance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a fixed position tensioning roller is used, then the device structure is simple, but the wire may slip or be broken due to inability to adjust tension force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning device structureVSAvoidwire transport reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning roller is transformed from a fixed component to a dynamic one through the slider-spring mechanism. The roller can now move along the wire direction to automatically adjust tension, significantly improving wire transport reliability while adding only moderate structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism provides self-regulating tension adjustment without external control. The roller automatically moves to appropriate positions based on wire tension conditions, making the system self-adjusting and reliable while keeping the control structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If the tensioning roller position is made adjustable to prevent wire damage, then the wire protection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire integrityVSAvoidroller position adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A simple slider mechanism enables the roller to move dynamically along the wire direction, providing necessary position adjustment to protect wire integrity. The adjustment complexity is minimized by using a straightforward linear slider rather than complex positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded roller automatically adjusts its position to protect the wire without external intervention. The system self-regulates tension forces, protecting wire integrity while maintaining simple device architecture through autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution effectively prevents wire slippage and damage by dynamically adjusting the tension force, ensuring reliable transportation of the wire by maintaining tension within a reasonable range.

Implementation Method 1

a spring compressed between the slider and the frame body, the spring is configured to push the slider to move in a direction to tension the wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the roller pulls the wire through a contact friction between it and the wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3255002B1Tensioning device
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP3255002B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3255002B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3255002B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a tensioning device for tensioning a wire (10). The tensioning device includes:a frame body (100); a slider (300) slidably mounted onto the frame body (100); a roller (400) rotatably mounted onto the slider (300) and configured to tension the wire (10) thereon; and a spring (600) compressed between the slider (300) and the frame body (100). The spring (600) pushes the slider (300) to move in a direction to tension the wire (10) to increase a tension force on the wire (10) when the tension force on the wire (10) is less than a predetermined minimum tension force; the slider (300) will move in a direction to loosen the wire (10) against the pushing of the spring (600) to reduce the tension force on the wire (10) when the tension force on the wire (10) is greater than a predetermined maximum tension force. Therefore, the tension force on the wire (10) can be controlled within a reasonable range, effectively avoiding the problem that the wire (10) cannot be transported result from the wire (10) slipping on the roller (400) due to a too small tension force or the wire (10) being pulled to be broken due to an excessive tension force, thereby ensuring a normal transportation of the wire (10).