Cable Rotation Spool Mechanism Without Rotary Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cable management systems for extensible devices, such as robots, often rely on rotary connectors that are expensive, prone to wear, and introduce signal noise, especially when the cable length changes during extension or retraction.
Innovation Solution
A cable rotation apparatus comprising a stationary spool, a rotating spool, and a furling core with beveled gears and a guide wheel, allowing the cable to transition between spools without the need for rotary connectors, maintaining constant cable length and reducing signal loss and impedance changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotary connectors are used for cable management in extensible devices, then cable connectivity is maintained during extension and retraction, but the system suffers from wear, signal noise, and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotary connector from the system entirely. Instead of using a rotary connector to maintain cable connectivity during extension and retraction, the invention extracts this component and replaces it with a cable routing system that guides the cable through the extensible portion without requiring rotational connection, thereby eliminating wear and signal noise associated with rotary connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable routing mechanism as an intermediary between the fixed cable end and the moving payload. This intermediary system includes guides and routing paths that allow the cable to flex and move with the extensible portion without the need for direct rotational connection, reducing harmful effects while maintaining connectivity
2Reliability
If rotary connectors are used to accommodate changing cable length during extension, then cable connectivity is maintained, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the expensive rotary connector component from the design. By extracting this high-cost element and replacing it with simpler cable routing guides and fixed mounting structures, the system maintains cable connectivity during extension while significantly reducing production costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex rotary connectors with simpler, lower-cost cable routing components. The design uses affordable cable guides, fixed mountings, and routing paths that achieve the same functional goal at reduced manufacturing cost
3Reliability
If traditional cable management systems are used, then cable connectivity is maintained, but signal loss and impedance changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes rotary connectors from the signal path, which are sources of signal noise and impedance changes. By extracting this component and using direct cable routing through the extensible portion with fixed connections at each end, the system maintains connectivity while minimizing signal loss and impedance variations
4Adaptability or versatility
If rotary connectors are used for cable rotation, then cable flexibility is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotary connector and its associated complexity from the system. Instead of using a mechanical rotary connection to achieve cable flexibility during extension, the invention employs simpler cable routing guides and fixed mounting structures that allow the cable to flex naturally with the extensible portion without adding system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An extensible mast allows a payload to be supported at a distance from a supporting device. The payload may be connected via a cable to one or more components in the supporting device. A cable rotation apparatus allows a cable to rotate during dispensation of the cable, such as during extension or retraction of the extensible mast, while minimizing strain on the cable. The apparatus comprises a stationary spool, a furling core, and a rotating spool. A beveled gear on each of the spools engages a pair of beveled gears in the furling core. As the rotating spool rotates with respect to the stationary spool, the furling core rotates at one-half the speed and the cable is dispensed from an opening in the rotating spool. The furling core incorporates a guide wheel that maintains an orderly transfer of the cable from one spool to another.