Electric Cable Reel With Independent Rotating Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable unwinding operations on large reels are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and pose risks to installers due to the use of heavy and inconvenient traditional methods, often requiring additional personnel and lifting devices, leading to increased injury and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A reel design featuring a drum with inner and outer side flanges that rotate independently, allowing for easy cable unwinding without fixed or mobile unwinding means, enhanced safety, and facilitated movement, made from robust and durable components with a locking mechanism for stability and ease of handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cable-laying systems with fixed or mobile unwinding means are used, then cable unwinding can be achieved, but the systems are heavy, awkward, and pose safety risks requiring additional personnel and lifting devices
Solution Approach 1:
The reel is divided into two independent rotational systems: the drum with inner flanges that rotates for cable unwinding, and the outer flanges that remain stationary during operation. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex external unwinding equipment while enabling easy cable deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using external fixed or mobile unwinding means as in traditional systems, the invention inverts the approach by making the reel itself self-contained with independent rotational capabilities, eliminating the need for additional unwinding equipment.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cable-laying systems are used, then cable unwinding can be achieved, but the risk of injury from heavy parts and falling objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the rotating drum from the stationary outer flanges, the design eliminates heavy moving parts that could fall or cause injury. The segmented structure allows the reel to be handled safely while maintaining full unwinding functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the drum and flanges are designed to rotate independently, then cable unwinding is simplified and safety is improved, but the reel requires a locking mechanism to prevent unintended rotation during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be simple and self-contained, using basic mechanical elements that can be easily operated by the user without requiring additional complex systems or specialized tools.
4Ease of operation
If the outer flanges have a larger diameter than inner flanges, then the reel is easier to roll and direct to the installation point, but the spacing between flanges must be maintained to prevent hand injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The critical spacing dimension is specifically applied where hands might be inserted (between the flanges), while other dimensions of the flanges are optimized for their specific functions - larger outer diameter for rolling ease, controlled gap for safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
This reel (10) for electrical cable, comprising a drum (12) and two inner side flanges (14) arranged on either side of the drum (12), further comprises two outer side flanges (16), arranged on either side of the inner side flanges (14), coaxially with the drum and the inner side flanges (14) and movable in rotation independently of the inner side flanges (14) and at least one means (18) of locking in rotation of the inner side flanges (14) with respect to the outer side flanges (16).