Flat-Spiral Hoisting Cable Structure for Vibration Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hoisting device current supply cable structures cause vibrations and require significant space, especially in narrow environments like automatic warehouses, where they are used as pick-up robots.

Innovation Solution

A flat-spiral current supply cable structure formed by heating a material, such as a pneumatic hose, which retains its shape and allows for data transfer cables to be integrated, reducing vibrations and space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If drum-reeling chains or ladder-type collapsible structures are used for current supply, then the cable can be supplied to the hoisting member, but the structure requires considerable space above the hoisting member and causes vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace above hoisting memberVSAvoidvibration of hoisting member
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The current supply cable is configured to form a flat-spiral structure that extends primarily in the horizontal plane rather than vertically. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the cable to accommodate hoisting operations while minimizing vertical space occupation and reducing vibration transmission to the hoisting member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable structure transitions from traditional vertical or collapsed configurations to a flat-spiral geometry with specific pitch and diameter parameters. This parameter change optimizes the cable's spatial footprint and mechanical characteristics, eliminating vibration while maintaining electrical supply function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional cable structures are used, then current can be supplied to the hoisting member, but the cable lifespan is limited and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable lifespanVSAvoidoperational downtime for cable replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flat-spiral cable structure is designed with pre-configured geometric parameters including specific pitch (5-20mm) and diameter (50-200mm) that provide inherent mechanical cushioning and stress distribution. This beforehand structural optimization prevents excessive wear and fatigue during hoisting operations, extending cable lifespan by up to ten times compared to traditional structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If data transfer cables are added to the hoisting device, then data communication is enabled, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidcable structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional cables including both current supply conductors and data transfer cables are integrated within a single flat-spiral structural framework. This merging approach allows electrical power and data communication to coexist in one organized structure, maintaining adaptability for modern smart warehouse applications while avoiding the complexity of separate cable management systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution significantly reduces vibrations, minimizes space usage, enhances cable lifespan by up to ten times, and is more cost-effective, enabling reliable operation in constrained spaces with reduced part complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The frame of the current supply cable is made of a material which by means of heating is formed into a flat-spiral structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

after the heating, has a memory striving to return an unwound cable in to the shape of the flat-spiral structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Polymer

Data Source

PatentEP3194321B1Hoisting device
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 KONECRANES GLOBAL OY
  • EP3194321B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3194321B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a hoisting device (1) comprising a trolley (3) travelling along a support structure (2), and a hoisting member (5) to be lowered and lift- ed therefrom by means of hoisting ropes (4), as well as a current supply cable (6) between the trolley (3) and the hoisting member (5), wherein the structure of the current supply cable (6) is made to assume a spiral shape such that in an uplifted position it forms an at least substantially flat-spiral structure wherein turns of the spiral structure lie in turns of increasing diameter.