Power Cable Winder Spool Relocation for Ergonomic Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric cable reels hinder hand movement during winding due to the spool's obstruction, limiting ergonomic use and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The spool is fixed to the frame on the opposite side of the drum, creating separate parts that do not interfere with each other, allowing for independent operation and improved ergonomics through a rotating contact system with a handle and elastic conductive contacts that maintain cable tension and prevent unexpected unwinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spool is positioned on the drum side to enable cable winding, then cable winding function is achieved, but hand movement is hindered by the spool
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is relocated from the drum side (horizontal dimension) to the opposite side of the drum on the frame (vertical/different spatial dimension), allowing the hand to move freely during winding operations while the spool remains functional for cable winding and unwinding
2Ease of operation
If the spool and drum are integrated on the same side, then structural compactness is achieved, but the parts interfere with each other during use
Solution Approach 1:
The spool and drum are segmented into separate functional units positioned on opposite sides of the frame, with the spool fixed to the frame on the opposite side of the drum. This segmentation eliminates interference between the two components during operation while maintaining structural integrity and winding efficiency
3Ease of operation
If the spool is fixed on the drum side, then cable winding is enabled, but ergonomic handling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is mounted on the frame on the opposite side of the drum, changing its spatial position from the traditional drum-side location to a counterbalanced position. This dimensional relocation improves ergonomic handling by allowing natural hand movement during cable winding and unwinding operations
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
This design enhances ergonomic handling by preventing spool interference, allowing for smoother winding and unwinding while maintaining cable tension, thus improving user comfort and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic conductive contacts (18) (18') (18'') which pivot around the ring support (11) placed on the axis of rotation (15) around which there are three friction rings (21) (21') (21''). During the rotation of the drum (2) around the axis of rotation (15) and the ring support (11), the elastic conductive contacts (18) (18') (18'') rub on the friction rings (21) (21') (21'') thus forming a rotating contact
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The winder has a chassis (1) that is realized with a curved tube equipped with a handle (5), and a plate integrated on the handle. A bobbin is fixed on the plate of an opposite side of a rotation axis. Three hollow pin balls are connected to ring supports (11) traversing through the plate. A supply cable (19) is connected to an electric network via a socket (7), and a base (24) is fixed to a cap (8). Three wires connect three friction rings to a terminal strip.