Collapsible Storage Drum with Hinged Polygonal Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drums for storing and transporting cables or tubing with external covers are difficult to assemble, disassemble, and store compactly, lacking ease of use and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A drum design comprising a base with a polygonal inner surface, a hollow core with matching cross-sectional shape, and a cylindrical cover composed of semicircular parts that can be easily assembled and disassembled using clamps and toggle latches, allowing for compact storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drum is designed with a core, external cover, and flanges for protecting cables during transport, then protection capability is improved, but assembly and disassembly become difficult and components cannot be stored compactly
Solution Approach 1:
The drum is divided into separate modular components: a base, a core with integrated flanges, and an external cover. These components can be independently manufactured, assembled when needed, and disassembled for compact storage, resolving the contradiction between having protective components and ease of assembly/disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The core with flanges is designed to nest within the base, and the external cover nests over the core assembly. When disassembled, the components fit together in a nested configuration that minimizes storage space, addressing the issue of compact storage while maintaining protection capability.
2Reliability
If a drum includes an external cover and flanges for cable protection, then protection capability is improved, but the drum components cannot be stored in compact form
Solution Approach 1:
The core with flanges nests within the base, and the external cover nests over the core assembly. This nested configuration allows all protective components to be stored in a compact form factor, reducing storage volume while maintaining protection capability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The flanges are integrated directly into the core structure rather than being separate components. This merging reduces the total number of parts and allows the core-with-flanges to nest more efficiently within the base, minimizing storage space requirements.
3Reliability
If conventional drum components are used for cable storage, then protection is provided, but the drum is heavy and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The drum is segmented into lightweight modular components that can be transported separately when not in use. The base, core, and cover can be individually handled, reducing the effective transport weight compared to moving a complete heavy drum assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A drum for storage or transportation of a coil, comprises a base configured to rest on a horizontal surface. A hollow polygonal core extends upward from the top of the base. A cover also extends from the top of the base and has a circular, cylindrical, inner wall. The cover is spaced from the core, forming an annular space for receiving a coil. The core is composed of a plurality of planar parts hinged to one another so that the core can be collapsed and stored or shipped in a substantially flat condition, and expanded to its polygonal shape for connection to the base. The cover is composed of two or more arc-shaped parts, which are capable of being nested for storage and shipment. The drum can be used for storage or transportation of dry bulk material, in which case the core can be eliminated.