Cable Drum Feeding Tool With Automatic Flange Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable drum handling tools pose safety risks and are inefficient, requiring manual control for cable payout and drum rotation, and are cumbersome for switching between drums or tools, especially in field conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cable drum feeding tool with a primary gripper arm arrangement, actuation means, and a rotation mechanism that allows for automatic attachment and detachment from various construction vehicles, enabling remote operation and quick switching between cable drums without manual intervention, utilizing a connection mechanism with conical and plate members for secure engagement with the drum flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a freely hanging suspension tool with a long shaft is used for cable drum handling, then the drum can be lifted and rotated, but manual involvement is required for safety control and orientation, and switching between drums is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed to automatically attach to the cable drum flange using a connection element with engaging elements that self-align and secure to the flange's opening, eliminating the need for manual positioning and attachment. The tool independently performs the attachment function without requiring operator intervention near the drum.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator is extracted from the dangerous zone near the drum by enabling remote operation from the vehicle cabin. The tool executes all attachment, positioning, and operation functions autonomously, removing the need for personnel to physically control the drum or monitor cable payout in the field.
2Reliability
If a long shaft attachment rod is used for drum attachment, then the drum can be secured to the lifting device, but switching between different drums or tools becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into a modular connection element with separate engaging elements that can independently connect to the drum flange. This modular design allows for quick engagement and disengagement, enabling rapid switching between different drums or tools without requiring complete reattachment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is pre-configured with engaging elements positioned to automatically align with and secure to the drum flange opening. This preliminary positioning ensures that attachment occurs instantly when the tool approaches the drum, eliminating time-consuming manual alignment and securing operations.
3Ease of operation
If manual control is used for cable payout and drum rotation, then the operator can control the operation, but safety risks increase and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical control operations are replaced with an automated system where the attachment tool is controlled from the vehicle cabin. The operator uses the vehicle's existing control mechanisms to remotely operate the tool, eliminating the need for manual field operations while maintaining full control capability.
4Extent of automation
If a specialized automatic cable reel is used, then automation is achieved, but the device is not suitable for field conditions such as construction sites
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with universal compatibility to work with various cable drum configurations and can be integrated with different vehicle lifting devices. The connection element adapts to standard drum flange openings, and the tool can perform multiple functions including attachment, cable feeding, and operation control, making it suitable for diverse field conditions without requiring specialized infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable drum feeding tool (1) for a vehicle (5) with a lifting device (3). The tool comprises a primary gripper arm arrangement (10) comprising a primary first gripper arm (12) and a primary second gripper arm (14) extending parallel and spaced apart from each other by means of a spacing (18), and a connection element (16) connecting the primary gripper arms, and a primary gripper arm mechanism (20) for moving at least one of the primary gripper arms. The tool further comprises rotation mechanism (30) comprising a respective pivot (32, 34) at the primary gripper arms adapted to engage with respective flanges of a cable drum (7). The tool further comprises an attachment arrangement (50) for releasably attaching the tool to the lifting device of the vehicle.