Modular Cable Spool Support for Stable Unwinding and Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of electrical cables is hindered by the difficulty in unwinding cables from spools of varying sizes and weights, which can be cumbersome to move and require multiple types of cables to be organized and transported efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A cable installation apparatus with interchangeable legs and an axle system that allows multiple spools to be held together, enabling independent rotation and easy transport, featuring a modular design for assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spool is placed on a flat support surface, then the spool is stable, but the technician has difficulty unwinding the cable from the spool
Solution Approach 1:
The spool holder transitions from a static flat surface to a dynamic inclined surface that can be adjusted to different angles, allowing the spool to be positioned at an optimal angle for both stability and ease of cable unwinding
Solution Approach 2:
The spool holder is designed to accommodate multiple types of spools with varying sizes and weights, providing a universal solution that maintains stability while facilitating easy cable unwinding for different spool configurations
2Quantity of substance
If the spool is new, then the spool has full cable capacity, but the spool is too heavy or unwieldy to easily move from one location to the next
Solution Approach 1:
The spool holder is divided into modular components including the holder body, adjustable incline mechanism, and mounting elements, allowing the system to be assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured for easy transport while maintaining full cable capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The spool holder acts as an intermediary device between the heavy spool and the technician, providing mechanical support and leverage that makes it easy to move and reposition full spools without requiring the technician to directly handle the heavy load
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of cables are required for installation, then the installation can be completed, but constantly moving or organizing the spools is time consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The spool holder is designed to accommodate multiple spools simultaneously, allowing technicians to organize and access different cable types in one location rather than moving individual spools repeatedly, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining versatility for different cable requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for assisting with cable installation is disclosed having a first and second pair of legs and an axle. The lower end of the first pair of legs is flat and the lower end of the second pair of legs is configured for releasably coupling to one or more wheels. When assembled, the first pair of legs form a first triangular arch, the second pair of legs form a second triangular arch, and the axle is threaded through the upper end of the pairs of legs such that the axle is parallel to a support surface. When a cable spool is coupled to the axle, the first pair of legs provides a stable, stationary support, the axle provides a level support for easily pulling cable from the spool, and the wheels on the second pair of legs allow the apparatus to be easily moved around a work site.