Adjustable Spool Clamp for Automated Tipping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spool tipping systems are time-consuming, prone to causing damage, and pose safety risks due to manual handling or reliance on levers, making them inefficient and hazardous for tipping spools from a side position to an upright position.

Innovation Solution

A spool tipping system comprising a clamp assembly with a base clamp portion, an adjustable clamp portion, and a lifting system, where the clamp assembly is configured to securely engage the spool's flange, allowing for easy adjustment and locking, and is coupled with a lifting system to automate the tipping process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual tipping with several people or lever is used, then the spool can be tipped from side position to upright position, but it is time-consuming and causes damage to the spool

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespool tipping operationVSAvoidtipping time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tipping operations with an automated mechanical lifting system. The clamp assembly attaches to the spool flange and uses a motorized lift to automatically raise the spool from side to upright position, eliminating the need for multiple people or manual levers and significantly reducing tipping time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly is designed to self-adjust and self-lock onto the spool flange without requiring manual positioning. The adjustable clamp portion can automatically adapt to different flange sizes, and the system performs the tipping operation autonomously once activated, reducing human intervention and time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual tipping with several people or lever is used, then the spool can be tipped from side position to upright position, but it poses safety issues for people

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespool tipping operationVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces dangerous manual tipping operations with an automated mechanical lifting system. The motorized lift and controlled clamp assembly eliminate the need for people to physically handle heavy spools, removing safety risks associated with manual lifting and lever operations while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly acts as an intermediary between the lifting system and the spool. It securely attaches to the flange and provides a controlled interface for force application, preventing direct human contact with heavy moving spools and eliminating safety hazards while enabling precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If manual tipping with lever is used, then the spool can be tipped, but it can cause damage to the spool

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespool tipping operationVSAvoidspool integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual lever operations that can cause impact damage with a controlled motorized lifting system. The gradual, controlled elevation of the spool eliminates sudden movements and impact forces that could damage the spool structure, while still achieving the tipping function effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly is designed with cushioning elements and controlled force application to prevent damage during the tipping operation. The system gradually applies lifting force and controls the spool's movement throughout the transition, preventing impact damage to the spool flange and body that could occur with sudden lever-based tipping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Device complexity

If a fixed clamp assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different spool sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp assembly structureVSAvoidspool size adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic adaptation to different spool sizes. The clamp portion can be repositioned along the clamp body to accommodate various flange diameters, and the locking mechanism can adjust to different positions, providing versatility without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly is divided into modular components: a fixed base portion, an adjustable clamp portion with multiple positioning holes, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the adjustable portion to be configured for different spool sizes while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11897739B2Spool tipper systems and methods

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 CORBINS LLC

AI summary

A clamp assembly for a spool tipping system may comprise a base clamp portion and an adjustable clamp portion. The adjustable clamp portion may be adjustable relative to the base clamp portion based on a flange size of a respective spool. The adjustable clamp portion may be configured to translate through a portion of the base clamp portion and be locked to base clamp portion. The spool tipping system may comprise a lifting system configured to couple to the clamp assembly, lift the clamp assembly and the spool, and transition the spool from a side position to an upright position.