Mandrel Gripper for Automated Cable Drum Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable drum lifting devices often cause damage to the coiled cables during transport due to the forceful grip of lifting forks and are not suitable for automated operation, limiting their use and efficiency, especially when handling cable drums with varying diameters and weights.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a mandrel-shaped gripper that can be inserted into the drum bore, featuring jaws that can open and close to accommodate different diameters, and a drive system for automated operation, ensuring secure and damage-free lifting of cable drums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lifting forks are used to pick up cable drums, then the cable drums can be transported, but the coiled cable is often damaged due to the forceful grip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate gripping mechanism (the device with jaws and flange elements) that mediates between the lifting fork and the cable drum. Instead of the lifting fork directly contacting the cable drum flange, the device's jaws insert into the drum bore and grip the flange elements, distributing the lifting force evenly and preventing cable damage while maintaining transport efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of force distribution by using multiple flange elements with bearing surfaces that contact the drum flange at multiple points. This transforms the concentrated force from a single lifting fork into distributed force across multiple contact points, reducing stress on the cable and preventing damage
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cable drums are wound up to 80% capacity to avoid damage, then cable damage risk is reduced, but recording capacity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device acts as an intermediary gripping mechanism that allows full-capacity drums to be handled safely. By inserting jaws into the drum bore and using flange elements to distribute lifting force, it eliminates the need to limit winding capacity to 80%, thereby maximizing recording capacity while maintaining damage-free handling
3Ease of operation
If manually operated lifting devices are used, then cable drums can be lifted, but worker safety hazards increase due to heavy objects and large forces
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-anchoring within the drum bore through its jaw and flange element mechanism. Once positioned, it automatically secures itself to the cable drum, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention during lifting operations. This reduces worker exposure to heavy objects and large forces while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated or semi-automated gripping mechanism that uses controlled jaw movement and flange element engagement. This substitutes direct manual handling with a mechanical system that can be operated remotely or automatically, improving worker safety while maintaining operational simplicity
4Ease of operation
If the known lifting device with lever system is used, then cable drums can be lifted, but regular servicing is required to maintain operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex lever system and cam guides from the design, replacing them with a simplified jaw mechanism that moves directly along guide rails. This removes the components requiring regular servicing while maintaining the ability to operate the device manually or automatically, thereby reducing maintenance frequency without compromising ease of operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) has a reel (8) with main portion (80) that is pierced along axis of rotation (800) of a reel bore (820), and has a gripper (2) that is inserted in the reel bore and is provided with the reel. The mandrel-shaped gripper comprises a stock rail that is displaced relative to one another, and mounted jaws (2A, 2B) are movable against each other in a closed state, and apart in an open state. The flanges (21A,21B,22A,22B) are positioned along the longitudinal axis (200) of the gripper, and whose upper sides (221A,221B) lie on a plane and serve as contact surfaces for reel. An independent claim is included for a method for automatically raising and lowering cable reel.