Adjustable Height Bending Apparatus for Flexible Cable Reels

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bending apparatuses for flexible cables wound as reels are not adaptable to reels of different dimensions, leading to incomplete deformation and complicating transportation and maintenance, as they are often integrated with the support structure and prone to torsional reactions.

Innovation Solution

A bending apparatus with a support frame and an operative arm that can be adjusted in height using lifting devices, allowing the thrust portion to effectively bend the terminal portion of cables on reels of varying diameters, ensuring complete deformation and safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the bending apparatus is integrated with the support structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to reels of different dimensions deteriorates and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to reels of different dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bending apparatus is separated from the support structure into an independent movable unit. The operative arm can be detached and repositioned for different reel configurations, while the support structure remains stable. This segmentation allows the bending apparatus to adapt to various reel dimensions without modifying or complicating the fixed support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the operative arm has fixed length, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to reels of different diameters deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability to reels of different diameters
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The operative arm incorporates adjustable length mechanisms that allow it to dynamically adapt to different reel diameters. The arm can be extended or reconfigured based on the specific reel size, maintaining simplicity through standardized components while achieving versatility through adjustable geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the bending apparatus is mounted below the reel, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ease of transportation and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidease of transportation and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The bending apparatus is extracted as a separate removable unit from the fixed support structure. It can be easily detached, transported, and repositioned as needed. The operative arm can be removed from beneath the reel for maintenance or relocation without affecting the stability of the support structure, combining operational convenience with ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 apparatus efficiently bends the terminal portion of flexible cables on reels of different dimensions, enhancing operational safety and mechanical stability, facilitating easier transportation and maintenance by adapting to various reel sizes and heights.

Implementation Method 1

lifting means arranged for generating a lifting force sufficient for lifting the support frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Force

Implementation Method 2

acts on the free terminal portion of the cable in order to plastically deform it and bend it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasticity: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3992128B1Bending apparatus for flexible cables wound as a reel and a method for bending the terminal portion of a flexible cable wound as a reel
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 INNOVO ENG & CONSTR
  • EP3992128B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3992128B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3992128B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Bending apparatus (1) for flexible cables (C) wound as a reel, comprising a support frame (2) placed below a winding drum (102) of an equipment piece (100), and an operative arm (3), which comprises a constrained portion (31) rotatably constrained to the support frame (2) and a thrust portion (32) intended to act in abutment against a terminal portion (C1) of a flexible cable (C) wound as a reel around the winding drum (102). The bending apparatus (1) also comprises movement means (4), mechanically connected to the operative arm (3) in order to move it between a lowered position and a lifted position, and lifting means (5) comprising at least one lifting device (6), which comprises a reaction member (61), adapted to interact with the floor (P) on which the support frame (2) rests, and an action member (62), which is engaged with the reaction member (61) in a movable manner along a movement direction (X), is connected to the support frame (2), and is movable along the movement direction (X) in order to position the support frame (2) with multiple different work heights (H).