Cable Spool and Cradle for Rapid Shore Power Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deploying and storing high energy cables and hoses are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expose cables to environmental damage, leading to reduced service life due to improper bending and prolonged exposure to elements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cable spool and cradle mounted on a vehicle, equipped with a drive mechanism for rotating the spool to deploy and retract cables efficiently, with adjustable support surfaces to maintain recommended curvature and buoyancy features for water use, allowing for rapid and minimally manned deployment and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cables are stored in a basket using traditional methods, then the cable storage capacity is sufficient, but the deployment time is excessive (up to 4 hours per cable) and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional manual mechanical handling system with an automated winch-driven spool system. The winch mechanically winds and unwinds the cable onto and from the spool, eliminating the need for multiple personnel to manually handle the cable. This mechanical automation directly addresses the productivity issue by enabling rapid deployment while reducing the time loss associated with manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool system is designed to self-containedly store and deploy the cable without requiring external manual intervention. The cable is pre-coiled on the spool in a controlled manner, and the winch system automatically retrieves and deploys it as needed. This self-service capability eliminates the labor-intensive basket handling process and significantly reduces deployment time.
2Volume of moving object
If cables are coiled tightly in storage baskets, then the storage space is optimized, but the cable is bent beyond the minimum curve radius reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spool with a specifically designed curved surface that matches or exceeds the minimum curve radius required by the cable manufacturer. The cable is wound around this curved spool surface, ensuring that it never bends sharper than the specified minimum radius. This curvature-based design simultaneously achieves compact storage (the spool can be rotated to wind the cable) while preserving cable integrity and service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool diameter is designed as a critical parameter that directly controls the cable bending radius. By setting the spool diameter to be at least equal to the minimum curve radius specification, the system ensures that the cable is always stored and deployed within safe bending limits. This parameter-based approach allows for optimized storage volume while maintaining cable reliability.
3Productivity
If cables are left exposed on the wharf for quick access, then the deployment speed is improved, but the cable exposure to UV radiation and elements increases reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is pre-coiled and stored on the spool in a protected state before deployment is needed. The spool system allows the cable to be rapidly deployed when required, but otherwise keeps it in a protected, coiled state on the spool. This preliminary preparation enables quick deployment while minimizing the cable's exposure time to environmental factors such as UV radiation and salt water.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool system provides a physical enclosure (the spool structure itself) that protects the cable from environmental exposure during storage. The cable remains covered and supported by the spool surface, preventing direct contact with harmful elements. This protective enclosure maintains cable service life while allowing rapid deployment when the spool is rotated to pay out the cable.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for storing, deploying and retracting cables, wherein the cables are those used to connect a docked ship with onshore facilities, such as water, electricity, and telecommunications. The system comprises one or more of a cable spool, a cradle and a support for moving and managing the cable spool. The system enabling the relatively rapid deployment and retraction of cables with minimal personnel compared to prior art systems.