Pivoting Unwinding Mandrel for Spool-Free Bundle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unwinding technologies face challenges with large bundles slipping during unwinding and requiring precise measurement for positioning, leading to difficulty and inefficiency, especially with cables or pipes without spools.
Innovation Solution
An unwinding mandrel with pivotably connected movable bodies that stabilize the bundle, allowing for easy insertion and fixation, and a detachable connection to the unwinding apparatus, facilitating efficient unwinding and rewinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the unwinding apparatus is positioned at a distance from the bundle and the bundle is tilted onto the apparatus, then the unwinding mandrel can be inserted into the central opening, but precise measurement and positioning are required which makes the process difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The unwinding mandrel incorporates movable bodies that can pivot between a retracted position (for easy insertion) and an extended position (for stable bundle reception). This dynamic adjustment allows the mandrel to be easily inserted without precise positioning while still providing stable support for the bundle during unwinding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel is divided into a main part and multiple movable bodies connected by joints. This segmentation allows the movable bodies to be independently positioned - they can be retracted during insertion to simplify the operation, then extended afterward to provide stable support for the bundle, effectively decoupling the insertion ease from the support stability requirements.
2Ease of operation
If smaller bundles without spools are used, then they are easier to handle, but they slip very easily during unwinding which leads to snagging and requires slow unwinding or repeated readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The movable bodies dynamically adjust to bundle size and shape. For smaller bundles without spools, the movable bodies can pivot to extend outward, increasing the contact surface area and providing better frictional engagement to prevent slipping. This dynamic adaptation maintains reliability while preserving the ease of handling small bundles.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel changes its geometric parameters (contact surface area, engagement depth) by pivoting the movable bodies. When smaller bundles are detected or required, the movable bodies extend to increase the contact area and friction, preventing slipping and snagging while maintaining easy handling characteristics.
3Device complexity
If holders are used to carry spools for unwinding material, then the structure is simple, but considerable friction occurs which makes unwinding considerably more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rigid holders that create high friction, the invention uses movable bodies with contact surfaces that can adapt to the bundle shape. These bodies provide support through form-fitting and friction-fitting connections that distribute contact forces, reducing localized friction while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable bodies can pivot to optimize their contact angle and position with the bundle, minimizing frictional resistance during unwinding. This dynamic adjustment allows the simple holder-like structure to unwind materials more easily by continuously adapting to the changing orientation and position of the bundle.
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 stable and efficient unwinding and rewinding of elongate materials by eliminating the need for precise positioning and reducing friction, improving handling and speed.
Implementation Method 1
movable bodies which are pivotably connected by at least one joint to the main part transversely to a main extension axis of the main part
Implementation Method 2
the bodies in the contact position rest against the main part at least partially, preferably at least at their end opposite the joint
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an unwinding mandrel for connecting to an unwinding apparatus for unwinding elongate materials and/or an unwinding system. In one example embodiment, an unwinding mandrel is disclosed including: a main part positioned in the center of a bundle of elongated materials; a connecting portion detachably connecting the unwinding mandrel to the unwinding apparatus; and at least one movable body pivotably connected by at least one joint to the main part transversely to a main extension axis of the main part.