Ground-Supported Wire Spooling Reel Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for spooling wire during building electrification require large and cumbersome jack stands for support, which are costly, dangerous, and space-consuming, posing logistical challenges, especially in smaller construction sites.

Innovation Solution

A compact reel assembly comprising an inner flange assembly and an outer flange assembly that allows the inner flange to freely rotate relative to the outer flange, enabling wire spooling directly on the ground or another surface without the need for jack stands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If jack stands are used to support the reel assembly during wire spooling, then the wire can be spooled freely, but heavy machinery is required to lift the reel and the process becomes costly and dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire spooling capabilityVSAvoidsafety hazards and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reel assembly is designed with an integrated ground-contact mechanism that allows it to support itself during wire spooling. The reel assembly includes a support structure with ground-contacting elements that enable direct contact with the ground surface, eliminating the need for external jack stands and heavy lifting machinery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If jack stands are used to support the reel assembly, then wire spooling is enabled, but large equipment is required that consumes significant floor space at the construction site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire spooling capabilityVSAvoidfloor space consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The reel assembly is designed with an integrated ground-contact mechanism that allows it to support itself during wire spooling. The reel assembly includes a support structure with ground-contacting elements that enable direct contact with the ground surface, eliminating the need for external jack stands and heavy lifting machinery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional reel assemblies are used, then wire can be transported and spooled, but large and cumbersome support equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire transport and spooling capabilityVSAvoidsupport equipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reel assembly is designed with an integrated ground-contact mechanism that allows it to support itself during wire spooling. The reel assembly includes a support structure with ground-contacting elements that enable direct contact with the ground surface, eliminating the need for external jack stands and heavy lifting machinery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The support function is merged into the reel assembly itself. The reel assembly combines the wire-holding drum with integrated ground-contact support structures, creating a unified device that both holds wire and supports itself without external equipment.

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

This solution eliminates the need for heavy machinery and large equipment, making the wire spooling process safer, more efficient, and space-efficient, particularly suitable for smaller construction sites by allowing the reel assembly to rest on the ground while spooling wire.

Implementation Method 1

The inner flange assembly is supported by the outer flange assembly and capable of freely rotating relative to the outer flange assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9815658B1Apparatus and method for spooling wire

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 ENCORE WIRE CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for spooling wire including an inner flange assembly, wherein the inner flange assembly includes a first inner supporting wall and a second inner supporting wall, wherein the first inner supporting wall includes an inner locking hole. The apparatus including an outer flange assembly, wherein the inner flange assembly is capable of freely rotating relative to the outer flange assembly, and wherein the outer flange assembly includes a first outer supporting wall and a second outer supporting wall, wherein the first outer supporting wall includes an outer locking hole. The apparatus also including a locking plug for insertion into the inner and outer locking holes, wherein the inner flange assembly cannot freely rotate relative to the outer flange assembly when the locking plug is inserted into the inner and outer locking holes and wherein the locking plug, when inserted, extends between only one outer supporting wall and the adjacent inner supporting wall.