Electrical Cord Reel Temperature Control and 360° Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reel designs for spooling linear materials lack a robust and versatile housing system that allows independent rotation of the guide aperture with respect to the drum, limiting user flexibility and protection against environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A reel design featuring first, second, and middle housing portions with a spindle member that enables the drum to rotate independently of the middle housing portion, which is rotatable about the spindle axis, along with support structures to prevent contact with flat surfaces regardless of orientation, and includes a solenoid for locking the middle housing during spooling and temperature sensors for power regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the guide aperture housing portion is made freely rotatable with respect to the drum through 360°, then user flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional rotational mechanisms and independent housing portions
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple independent portions: a first housing portion attached to the drum, a second housing portion that is freely rotatable with respect to the first housing portion through 360° about the drum's axis of rotation, and a guide aperture housing portion. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently while providing user flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The second housing portion is designed to be freely rotatable with respect to the first housing portion, introducing dynamic movement capability. This rotational freedom allows the guide aperture to be positioned at various angles, enhancing adaptability without requiring complex locking or adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the guide aperture housing portion is made freely rotatable with respect to the drum, then the guide aperture can follow the radial position of the user, but the structural stability and reliability may be reduced due to additional moving joints
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the housing into distinct rotatable and fixed portions, the design allows the guide aperture housing to move independently while the drum and first housing portion remain stable. This segmentation isolates the movement to specific components, maintaining overall structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second housing portion acts as an intermediary between the fixed first housing portion and the guide aperture housing portion. It provides the rotational capability while serving as a stable connection point, mediating between the need for movement and structural stability.
3Reliability
If a solenoid and temperature-sensitive switches are added for temperature control and safety, then safety and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature-sensitive switches are positioned to sense the temperature of the spooled linear material and automatically open the electrical circuit when excessive heat is detected. This self-service temperature control mechanism provides safety without requiring external monitoring or complex control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic temperature monitoring and control systems with a simpler electromechanical approach using solenoids and temperature-sensitive switches. This substitution reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective temperature control and safety functions.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If support structures are added to prevent contact with flat surfaces, then protection against environmental damage is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing portions are designed with curved surfaces rather than flat surfaces, preventing stable contact with flat support surfaces. This spherical or curved geometry inherently provides environmental protection by eliminating flat contact areas where moisture or contaminants could accumulate, without requiring additional protective structures.
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 design provides enhanced user flexibility with 360° rotation of the guide aperture, protects the reel from environmental damage, and ensures safe operation by preventing overheating of the spooled material.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid for locking the middle housing during spooling
Implementation Method 2
temperature sensors for power regulation
Data Source
AI summary
A reel assembly for an electrical cord distinct from the reel assembly includes a reel onto which the electrical cord can be spooled. A power connector configured to be mechanically and electrically coupled to the electrical cord is on the reel. The reel assembly is configured to be connected to a power source and to convey electrical power from the power source to the power connector. Two or more switches are connected in a parallel arrangement such that electrical currents flow through the switches in the same direction when the switches are in positions that permit electrical current flow through the switches. The switches are configured to shut off power from the power source to the power connector if a temperature of the reel assembly or of the electrical cord exceeds a threshold.