Lockable Reel Support With Rotary Button And Movable Handle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reel support systems for electrical wires and cables are difficult to use due to challenging retaining clips, risk of tripping or injury from frame legs, and ergonomic issues with handles that may collide with the spool, leading to safety concerns and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A lockable and removable support system with rotary control buttons, retractable feet, and a movable transport handle that can be stored or extended, providing improved ergonomics, safety, and stability, while allowing for the separation of the handle from the spool to reduce injury risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If retaining clips are used to attach the frame to the reel, then the frame can be fixed on the reel, but the system becomes difficult to use in practice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex retaining clips system with a simpler button-operated mechanism. The button (36) acts as a release mechanism that, when pressed, allows the flange (14) to detach from the reel cheek (13), eliminating the need for difficult-to-manipulate retaining clips while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange design incorporates self-aligning features where the button mechanism automatically engages with the reel cheek structure. The lateral end portion (21) of the foot and the button positioning system work together to ensure proper alignment and attachment without requiring complex manual manipulation or additional tools.
2Ease of operation
If frame legs are extended to rest on the ground, then the reel can be raised and rotate freely, but users may trip over the ends or accidentally crush them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the foot structure dynamic by allowing the lateral end portion (21) to be removable or retractable. The feet (20) can be extended when needed for stable ground contact during reel operation, and retracted or removed when not in use to eliminate tripping hazards and accidental crushing risks in storage or transport situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot structure is divided into separate segments: the main foot body and the removable lateral end portion (21). This segmentation allows the foot to be configured in different states - fully extended for stability during use, partially retracted for reduced hazard, or completely removed for storage - thereby addressing both the need for stability and the need to eliminate hazards.
3Volume of moving object
If handles are positioned close to the spool for compact design, then the support structure is compact, but there is a risk of injury to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying handle (22) is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can be positioned close to the reel body during storage to maintain compactness, and moved to a safer position during operation to reduce injury risk. The handle's mobility allows it to adapt between compact storage configuration and safe operational configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle system is separated from the main reel structure as a distinct, movable component. This segmentation allows the handle to be independently positioned - close to the reel for compact storage, or moved away to a safer distance during operation - thereby resolving the contradiction between compactness and safety.
4Device complexity
If the carrying handle is fixed for structural simplicity, then the structure is simple, but the ergonomics and comfort of use are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable carrying handle (22) that can be adjusted between different positions. The handle can be moved closer to or farther from the reel body depending on the operational needs, providing ergonomic flexibility while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation through guide slots or telescopic mechanisms.
5Stability of the object's composition
If the lateral end portion of the feet is made broader for stability, then the support stability increases, but the lateral bulk of the support increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot structure is segmented into a narrow main body and a separate, removable lateral end portion (21). The lateral end portion can be attached when stability is needed (providing broader ground contact), and removed when lateral bulk needs to be minimized. This segmentation allows the foot to transition between compact and stable configurations as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral end portion of the foot is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable. During operational phases requiring stability, the lateral end portion is attached to broaden the footprint. During storage or transport phases where space is constrained, the lateral end portion is removed to minimize lateral bulk, thereby dynamically adapting the support's physical characteristics to operational needs.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This reel support (10) includes a reel (12) and a pair of removable flanges (14) adapted to be attached to either side of the reel (12). Each flange (14) includes: a rotary control button (16) for locking the flange (14) onto the reel (12), the button (16) having a circular perimeter and a diametrical gripping rib (17) actuable between a locked and an unlocked position of the flange (14) and a locking tab (18) extending radially from the circumference of the button (16); two feet (20) each having a removable lateral end portion (21); a carrying handle (22), fixed or movable between a storage position and a use position.