Movable Pulley Cable Storage for Constant Tension Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable storage solutions are primarily stationary and do not effectively manage varying cable lengths required for mobile work devices, particularly in harsh environments, leading to cable damage and reduced operational radius.
Innovation Solution
A cable storage system with a stationary first deflection roller and a vertically movable second deflection roller, alternately looped with the electrical cable, which automatically adjusts cable length by moving the second roller relative to the first, ensuring constant tension and preventing ground contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the cable length is increased to bridge maximum distance, then the operational radius is improved, but the cable becomes more prone to damage and harder to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable storage device employs a dynamically adjustable pulley system where the second pulley can move vertically along the mast to automatically adjust cable length based on operational needs. This dynamic adjustment prevents excessive cable length from dragging on the ground while maintaining sufficient reach, thereby reducing cable damage risk in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection pulleys act as intermediaries that guide and control the cable path. By routing the cable through these pulleys, the system maintains proper cable tension and prevents direct ground contact, reducing wear and damage while enabling extended operational radius.
2Reliability
If a motor-assisted drive mechanism is used for cable retrieval, then the cable storage reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable storage device utilizes the weight of the cable itself and gravitational force to automatically retract the cable. As the second pulley moves downward along the mast, the cable is pulled back without requiring any motor or active drive mechanism. This passive self-service approach maintains reliability while significantly reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system effectively uses the cable's own weight as a counterweight mechanism. The downward movement of the second pulley allows the cable weight to drive the retraction process, eliminating the need for additional motorized components while ensuring reliable cable retrieval.
3Ease of operation
If the cable is allowed to drag on the ground, then the ease of operation is improved, but the cable exposure to harsh environment and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection pulleys serve as intermediaries that elevate and guide the cable away from the ground throughout its deployment. The cable runs through the pulley system, maintaining clearance from harsh ground conditions while remaining easy to deploy by simply pulling the free end.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions the cable from a ground-level horizontal deployment to a vertically elevated path through the pulley system. By moving the cable into the vertical dimension via the mast and pulleys, the design protects against environmental damage while maintaining operational ease.
4Device complexity
If a stationary cable storage solution is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational radius of mobile work devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining a relatively simple stationary structure, the system incorporates a dynamic second pulley that can move vertically along the mast. This dynamic element enables extended cable deployment and increased operational radius without requiring complex motorized mechanisms, achieving a balance between simplicity and extended reach.
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 system allows for reliable, automatic cable management, preventing damage and increasing the operational radius of mobile work devices by maintaining cable tension and adjusting length as needed, even in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
When the cable is released, the movable deflection pulley lowers again following gravity, automatically rewinding the electrical cable.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cable storage system comprising a stationary first deflection pulley system, a second deflection pulley system that is linearly movable relative to the first deflection pulley system, and an electrical cable that is looped around the first and second deflection pulley systems. The object of the present invention is to provide a cable storage system for mobile use that increases the operating range of an associated work device and enables gentle feeding of the electrical cable to the work device even under harsh environmental conditions.The object of invention is achieved by a cable storage device comprising a stationary first deflection pulley system, a second deflection pulley system which is linearly movable relative to the first deflection pulley system, and an electrical cable which is looped around the first deflection pulley system and the second deflection pulley system, wherein the cable storage device has a mast on which the first deflection pulley system and the second deflection pulley system are arranged, and the cable storage device has a base frame and bolt connecting means, aligned in a width direction of the base frame and formed on both sides of the mast, for a detachable connection between the mast and the base frame.