Automatic Line Reel With Pressure Sensor Tension Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for managing flexible lines, such as hoses and electrical cables, often result in accumulation of slack, which can lead to tripping hazards and mechanical damage, and previous systems either apply excessive tension or require manual operation that can be cumbersome or ineffective.

Innovation Solution

An automatic line reel system with a motor-driven reel assembly and a triangular pressure transducer that detects contact pressure to extend or retract the line, maintaining optimal tension and preventing slack accumulation while allowing for uninterrupted fluid or electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a torsion spring is coupled to a reel to retract a line, then slack accumulation is prevented, but the line is pulled uncomfortably against the person and may cause tripping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslack preventionVSAvoiddiscomfort and tripping hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical torsion spring system with an electrical motor system. The motor is controlled by sensors that detect line tension and user movement, allowing electronic control of line retraction rather than continuous mechanical spring force. This substitution enables more precise and adaptive tension management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control through sensors that detect line tension, user acceleration, and reel rotation. The control system processes this feedback information and adjusts motor operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to user needs and prevents both slack accumulation and excessive tension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If a motor-driven reel with manual switches is used, then line extension and retraction is controllable, but the person may forget to operate the switches or lack manual dexterity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual controlVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to serve itself by automatically detecting when line retraction is needed through tension sensors and acceleration sensors. The system autonomously operates the motor based on sensor inputs without requiring manual intervention, making the operation self-regulating and adaptive to actual usage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors line tension, reel rotation, and user acceleration through sensors, processing this feedback to automatically control motor operation. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation regardless of the user's awareness or manual dexterity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If spring force is sufficient to turn the reel and remove slack, then slack is eliminated, but the line pulls continuously against the person whether at rest or moving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslack eliminationVSAvoidcontinuous tension

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic or on-demand motor activation based on sensor detection rather than continuous spring force. The motor operates intermittently to wind the line only when slack is detected or retraction is commanded, allowing the line to remain slack-free only when needed while reducing continuous tension on the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 system effectively prevents slack accumulation, reduces tripping hazards, and minimizes discomfort by dynamically adjusting line tension, ensuring continuous operation and reducing the risk of damage to the line and connections.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor positioned inside the support frame to detect contact pressure from the flexible line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

a motor positioned inside the base unit and electrically connected to the processor. The processor is configured to activate rotation of the reel assembly in response to detection by the pressure sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion:

Implementation Method 3

The processor is configured to control rotation of the reel assembly to prevent over-extension and over-retraction of the flexible line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Data Source

PatentUS12103813B2Reel with automatic line extension

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 KONG WILLIAM

AI summary

An automatic line reel includes a flexible line wound onto a motor-driven reel assembly. A processor controlling the motor detects contact pressure between the flexible line and a triangular pressure transducer, automatically extending the flexible line when the contact pressure exceeds a preset threshold. Line extension stops when contact pressure falls below a second preset threshold. The flexible line may be retracted and rewound around the reel assembly by activation of a switch on a wireless remoted control, by a switch on the automatic line reel, or by activation of a smart phone application program in data communication with the processor controlling the reel assembly. A reel assembly is optionally configured to maintain uninterrupted fluid communications through the automatic line reel as the reel assembly rotates. The reel assembly may optionally be configured to maintain uninterrupted electrical signal communication through the automatic line reel.