Carton Support Structure for Cable Reel Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for transporting reels of cable in construction sites are inefficient and unsafe due to cable kinking, resistance when pulling from cartons, and the physical burden of moving heavy and awkward cartons in tight spaces.

Innovation Solution

A carton support structure with adjustable elongate horizontal and vertical support members, bushings, and a handle to stabilize and facilitate the transport of cartons, allowing for adjustable length and preventing rotation, thereby enhancing portability and reducing strain on technicians.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If cable is coiled in a carton with holes for pulling, then cable distribution is simplified, but cable kinks and resists being pulled out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable distribution methodVSAvoidcable pulling operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is pre-coiled in a controlled manner within the carton before being delivered to the job site. This preliminary coiling action ensures the cable is ready for easy extraction without kinking or resistance, transforming a potential problem into a preparatory solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The carton structure itself acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates cable extraction. By designing the carton with specific hole configurations and structural features, the carton mediates between the coiled cable and the pulling force, enabling smooth extraction without direct resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If cartons are made heavy to protect cable, then cable protection is improved, but transportation becomes burdensome and unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable protectionVSAvoidcarton transportation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transportation system is segmented into multiple components: the carton support structure, the handle, and the cartons themselves. This segmentation allows the cartons to remain heavy and protective while the separate support structure and handle bear the transportation burden, distributing the weight and improving ease of movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carton support structure serves as an intermediary between the heavy cartons and the technician. Instead of the technician directly handling the heavy cartons, the support structure mediates by providing a mechanical advantage system that reduces the effort required for transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cartons are moved manually in tight spaces, then flexibility is improved, but technician strain and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement flexibilityVSAvoidtechnician strain

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The handle and support structure are designed with dynamic characteristics that adapt to tight working spaces. The handle can be positioned and angled to accommodate confined areas, and the support structure can be adjusted to provide optimal mechanical advantage in various spatial configurations, maintaining flexibility while reducing strain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the transportation problem by using a handle that extends upward from the carton support structure. This dimensional change allows technicians to pull cartons upward and over obstacles rather than horizontally across tight spaces, transforming the movement dynamics to reduce strain in confined areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Device complexity

If fixed-length support members are used, then structure simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different carton sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport member structureVSAvoidcarton size accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support members are designed with adjustable length characteristics, allowing them to dynamically adapt to different carton sizes. The members can be extended or repositioned along the horizontal support member to accommodate various carton dimensions, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-length components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is designed with universal features that allow it to handle multiple carton sizes and types. The adjustable components and modular design enable a single support structure to serve multiple functions across different applications, eliminating the need for specialized structures for each carton size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8136753B2Transporter for box of spooled wire or cable

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 WINDY CITY WIRE CABLE & TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

Apparatus for manually transporting cartons or reels of goods include a support structure that includes a horizontal support member having first and second components, first and second vertical support members, and first and second bushings attached to the vertical support members for insertion into arbor holes in a reel or carton. Additionally, the apparatus includes a handle affixed to the support structure. In an alternate embodiment, one or more stabilization members prevent the carton from rotating as the contents of the carton are removed.