Magnetic Line Retrieval Device With Rotatable Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for locating and retrieving wires or lines within structures, such as walls, involve significant guesswork and error, requiring invasive techniques like cutting holes and using hooked rods.
Innovation Solution
A line retrieval system with a magnetically coupled device featuring rotatable rollers and a clutch mechanism, allowing for precise magnetic coupling and unidirectional rotation to draw lines through surfaces without damaging them, facilitated by a lightweight design with elastomer members for friction reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hooked rod method is used to retrieve lines through walls, then the line can be retrieved, but the process involves considerable guesswork and error and requires cutting holes in the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hooked rod system with a magnetic field-based retrieval system. A magnet is attached to the line at the retrieval location, and a magnetic sensor on a scanning device detects the magnet's position through the wall without physical contact, eliminating the need for hooked rods and structural holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic field detection analogous to color detection - the magnetic sensor detects changes in magnetic field strength and direction caused by the presence of the magnet attached to the line, allowing precise location identification without physical intrusion into the structure.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic coupling device is used for line retrieval, then precision and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases with clutch mechanism and rotatable rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable roller mechanism that can dynamically adjust its orientation. The rollers are free to rotate and align themselves with the direction of the line being retrieved, allowing the device to adapt to various line angles and positions automatically without complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling device uses the magnetic field itself to guide and position the retrieval mechanism. The magnet attached to the line creates a self-aligning force that directs the rollers and clutch mechanism along the correct path, eliminating the need for external guidance systems or complex positioning controls.
3Ease of operation
If elastomer members are used for friction reduction, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the friction parameter by introducing elastomer members between the rollers and the line. These elastomeric components provide a coefficient of friction that allows smooth gripping and drawing of the line through the wall opening, transforming the interaction from high-friction sliding to controlled elastic deformation and recovery.
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
Enables efficient and accurate retrieval of lines by maintaining strong magnetic coupling and minimizing surface damage, improving the precision and ease of the process compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet is configured having a cylindrical shape and is rotatable about an axis defined by the bolt. In addition, the magnet is radially magnetized such that the poles of the magnet (e.g., an axis formed by the north and south poles of the magnet) are disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis defined by the bolt. Thus, in response to a magnetic field disposed proximate thereto, the magnet rotates about the axis defined by the bolt
Data Source
AI summary
A line retrieval system comprises a retrieval device having a radially magnetized magnet adapted to be magnetically coupled to an object disposed on an opposite side of a structure for drawing the object in a desired direction relative to the structure.