Cable Storage Roller Mast for Tensioned Ground-Free Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable storage solutions are limited to stationary configurations, failing to accommodate variable distances between a voltage source and a working device, particularly in harsh environments, and often result in cable damage due to dragging on the ground.
Innovation Solution
A cable storage system with a stationary first deflection roller and a height-adjustable second deflection roller, mounted on a mast, allowing the cable to be wound and unwound mechanically, combined with a base frame for mobility, ensuring the cable is always under tension and preventing ground contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable storage is made stationary to ensure stable cable management, then the cable protection from ground contact is improved, but the adaptability to variable distances between voltage source and working device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the second deflection roller height-adjustable relative to the first deflection roller. This allows the cable storage system to adapt to variable distances between the voltage source and working device while maintaining stable cable management. The movable deflection roller can be positioned at different heights to accommodate different cable lengths and working positions, resolving the contradiction between stationary stability and distance adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a long cable is provided to bridge maximum distance, then the adaptability to variable distances is improved, but the cable damage risk from dragging on ground worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses deflection rollers as intermediary elements to guide and support the cable. The first deflection roller (stationary) and second deflection roller (height-adjustable) work together to maintain cable tension and prevent the cable from dragging on the ground. This intermediary mechanism allows the cable to be pulled taut through the roller system, providing distance coverage while eliminating ground contact and associated damage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable storage system employs a self-tensioning mechanism where the cable itself, when pulled by the working device, automatically tensions through the deflection roller system. The movable second deflection roller responds to cable tension forces, adjusting its position to maintain proper cable tension without requiring additional active control mechanisms. This self-service approach prevents ground dragging while adapting to distance variations.
3Extent of automation
If a drum with retraction mechanism is used for cable storage, then the automatic cable retraction is improved, but the device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using the cable's own tension forces to drive the retraction mechanism. When the working device pulls the cable, the tension forces move the second deflection roller and wind the cable onto the drum automatically. The system uses the operational forces already present during cable deployment to drive the retraction process, eliminating the need for separate motorized retraction systems while maintaining automatic cable retrieval functionality.
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
The system enables reliable, automatic cable retraction and extension, protecting the cable from damage while allowing the working device to operate within a larger radius without ground contact, even in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the electric cable can be easily pulled out of the cable storage by tensile force, wherein the movable deflection roller is moved towards the stationary deflection roller
Implementation Method 2
During relaxation, the movable deflection roller drops again following gravity, as a result of which the electric cable is automatically rewound
Data Source
AI summary
A cable storage has a stationary first deflection roller system, a second deflection roller system which is linearly movable relative to the first deflection roller system, and an electric cable which is looped around the first deflection roller system and the second deflection roller system. The cable storage has a mast on which the first deflection roller system and the second deflection roller system are arranged, and the cable storage has a base frame and a bolt connection arrangement. The bolt connection arrangement is oriented in a width direction of the base frame and formed on both sides of the mast for a releasable connection between the mast and the base frame. The bolt connection arrangement is formed on a mast foot, on both sides of the mast.