Motorized Fish Tape Handle Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual fish tape operations are physically demanding and inefficient, leading to potential operator injuries and high costs in commercial applications, while low-cost automated solutions are lacking for the domestic construction market.
Innovation Solution
A device that automates the operation of a fish tape assembly using a motorized handle with adjustable tracks and centering slides, allowing for variable speed control and remote operation, which reduces manual effort and enhances efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual wire pulling is used, then device complexity is low, but operator fatigue and injury risk increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a motorized handle as an intermediary device between the operator and the fish tape reel. The motorized handle automatically rotates the reel to deploy and retrieve the fish tape, eliminating the need for manual rotation while keeping the overall system architecture simple and compatible with existing fish tape designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical rotation system with an electric motor system. The motorized handle uses electrical power to drive the reel rotation, substituting human physical effort with automated mechanical motion, thereby reducing operator fatigue while maintaining straightforward device operation.
2Productivity
If automated wire pulling equipment is used, then productivity increases, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized handle is designed to be universally compatible with standard fish tape reels. The attachment mechanism allows the motorized handle to work with existing fish tape assemblies, enabling automated operation without requiring specialized or proprietary components, thus increasing productivity while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the wire pulling system into separate functional modules: the existing fish tape reel assembly and the new motorized handle attachment. This segmentation allows the automation feature to be added as a standalone component, increasing productivity without requiring complete system redesign and keeping overall complexity manageable.
3Productivity
If manual fish tape operation is used, then device cost is low, but labor time and efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized handle enables continuous operation of the fish tape reel without interruption. The automated motor can continuously deploy and retrieve the tape at consistent speeds, eliminating the start-stop nature of manual operation and significantly improving wire pulling efficiency while reducing the time required for installation tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A device to automate or semiautomate a fish tape is provided that can include an attachable handle with battery operated motor, rollers, gears and controls that can be integrated into its own or existing fish tape spools. Another embodiment provides a left and right plate and an assembly about a member to be driven by a crank or other automated means to mobilize a fish tape which over comes the limitations of existing manual and automatic fish tapes making it safer, more efficient and easier for an operator to pull wire.