Independent Reel Flanges With Locking Hubs for Axle-Free Unspooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable reel handling systems lack maneuverability and flexibility, requiring axles that restrict their use to specific widths and necessitate additional material handling, making it difficult to efficiently position and install cables.
Innovation Solution
The development of independently rotating flanges with arbor hole adapters that can be removably attached to reels, allowing for independent rotation and easy loading, lifting, and secure locking, eliminating the need for axles and enhancing material handling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If axles are used to support cable reels, then the system provides structural support, but the system loses flexibility and is restricted to specific widths
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the support structure into separate flanges that attach independently to each end of the reel arbor hole, replacing the single integrated axle structure. This segmentation allows each flange to be independently positioned and removed, providing flexibility while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The flanges are designed with universal applicability to accommodate various reel widths through adjustable positioning mechanisms. The same flange design can be used across different reel sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized axle components for different width requirements.
2Ease of operation
If axles are used to support cable reels, then the system provides structural support, but additional material handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The flanges are pre-positioned and secured to the reel arbor hole before cable installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for additional material handling during operation, as the support structure is already in place and requires no adjustment during cable unspooling or installation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange design includes self-aligning and self-securing features that automatically position the support structure correctly without requiring manual adjustment or additional handling. The flanges self-adjust to the reel width and secure themselves, reducing operational complexity and time.
3Ease of operation
If flanges are fixed to the reel, then the reel is securely supported, but the flanges cannot rotate independently to facilitate cable unspooling
Solution Approach 1:
The flanges are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to rotate independently relative to the reel body. This rotational freedom facilitates cable unspooling operations while the flanges remain structurally attached to the arbor hole, maintaining support stability during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the structural support function with the rotational maneuverability function in a single integrated flange design. The flanges simultaneously provide stable support through their attachment to the arbor hole while enabling independent rotation to accommodate cable unspooling operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of flanges attachable to the arbor hole of a reel is disclosed. The flanges provide a mechanism to allow the reel to be easily loaded, and lifted into place. Once loaded into place, the flanges may include a locking mechanism that locks the reel in place, centered on the flanges. Additionally, the flanges are attachable using a hub that allows them to rotate independently from one another, and from the reel to which they are attached.