Cable Carousel Hydraulic Support to Eliminate Slipring Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable carousels are expensive to build, have lower operational reliability, and require complex electrical power transfer systems, which can lead to cable breakage and economic losses.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a cable carousel supported by a pool with a pressurized liquid chamber, providing a positive pressure to support and rotate the carousel, eliminating the need for complex electrical systems and reducing ground loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cable carousels use electric motors on the carousel for rotation, then the carousel can be rotated and cable can be wound/unwound, but electrical power transfer through sliprings complicates the system and reduces operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electric motors from the carousel itself and places them on the stationary support structure. This extraction eliminates the need for sliprings and electrical power transfer to the rotating carousel, thereby simplifying the system and improving operational reliability by removing a complex and failure-prone subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical drive system with mechanical wheels that run along circular horizontal rails. The carousel is rotated by these wheels being driven by electric motors located on the stationary support, substituting the electrical power transfer mechanism with a purely mechanical transmission system that is simpler and more reliable.
2Quantity of substance
If cable carousels use large diameter constructions to increase cable capacity, then more cable can be stored, but the loading on the ground increases and requires extensive foundation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a buoyant pool filled with liquid that supports the carousel from below. The buoyant force generated by the liquid counteracts the weight of the carousel and the cable stored on it, significantly reducing the ground loading. This allows large diameter carousels with high cable capacity without requiring extensive foundations to support the full weight.
3Ease of manufacture
If cable carousels use conventional construction methods, then the structure can be built, but construction costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pool filled with liquid (hydraulic principle) to support the carousel, replacing conventional heavy structural supports and foundations. This hydraulic support system reduces the amount of material needed for the foundation and support structure, thereby reducing construction costs while maintaining structural integrity through the buoyant support.
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 reduces construction costs, enhances operational reliability by minimizing electrical complications, and reduces the economic risk of cable breakage, while also simplifying the foundation requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Pressurised liquid in the closed chamber provides a positive pressure for supporting the carousel and allowing rotation of the carousel
Implementation Method 2
a seal is arranged in a pool gap between an outer side of the carousel and the pool outer wall
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for storing cable, comprising a cable carousel (1) rotatable about a vertical axis (2), and rotating means (30) for rotating (4) the carousel (1) about the vertical axis (2), for allowing winding cable (5) on the carousel (1) and unwinding cable (5) from the carousel (1). The carousel (1) is received in a pool (7), a seal (10) is arranged between an outer side (12) of the carousel (1) and a pool outer wall (9). A closed chamber (13) is defined in the pool (7) below the carousel (1), and pressurised liquid in the closed chamber (13) provides a positive pressure for supporting the carousel (1) and allowing rotation (4) of the carousel (1).