Motorized Fish Tape Drum for Tangle-Free Dispensing and Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fish tape tools lack efficient mechanisms for dispensing and retracting fish tape, often resulting in tangling and manual operation difficulties, and do not allow for easy switching between different types of fish tapes.
Innovation Solution
A fish tape tool with a motor-driven system that includes a rotatable drum and output reel for controlled dispensing and retracting of fish tape, featuring a battery-powered motor with directional control and a clutch mechanism for manual operation, and the ability to accommodate different types of fish tapes by interchangeable drums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of fish tape is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tangling and manual effort requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric motor system. The motor (18) is connected to a reel (22) that automatically winds and unwinds the fish tape (32), eliminating the need for manual cranking and reducing tangling issues. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with an electrically-driven system directly addresses the contradiction by improving ease of operation while accepting increased device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed drum is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as different fish tape types cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drum assembly into a separate, removable component. The drum (30) can be detached from the reel (22) and replaced with different drums suited for different fish tape types. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to various fish tape configurations (conductive, non-conductive, different diameters) while keeping the main tool body simple and reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal fish tape tool that can handle multiple types of fish tape through interchangeable drums. The main tool body (housing, motor, control circuitry) serves as a universal platform that accommodates different drum types, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various electrical conduit installation requirements.
3Productivity
If automated motor-driven system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a motor-driven system (motor 18 connected to reel 22) that automates the fish tape dispensing and retrieval process. The motor can be controlled to rotate in different directions, enabling automated payout and retrieval of fish tape, significantly improving productivity compared to manual cranking methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a dynamic control system that allows the motor to operate in different modes (forward rotation for payout, reverse rotation for retrieval). The control circuitry enables the motor to respond to user inputs and automatically adjust its operation based on the required function, making the system adaptable and efficient.
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
The solution enables efficient, automated dispensing and retracting of fish tape with reduced tangling and manual effort, allowing for seamless switching between various fish tape types, enhancing operational efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a motor supported by the housing. The motor is configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a battery for supplying power to the motor
Implementation Method 3
A portion of the fish tape is wedged between the drive roller and the idler roller
Data Source
AI summary
A fish tape tool includes a housing, a chamber defined in the housing, and a motor supported by the housing. The motor is configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite the first direction. An output reel is disposed in the chamber and is rotatable in response to receiving torque from the motor. A drum contains a fish tape and including a rotatable drum portion having an inner wall that is engaged by the output reel when the drum is inserted into the chamber of the housing. When the drum portion is rotated by the output reel in the first direction, fish tape is dispensed from the drum. When the drum portion is rotated by the output reel in the second direction, fish tape is retracted into the drum.