Portable Marker Carrier with Pivoting Elements for Cable Marking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marker systems for electric cables lack a convenient and efficient method for carrying and presenting markers in a fanned out configuration for easy selection, and do not facilitate automatic handling and re-use after marking.
Innovation Solution
A portable carrier device with elongate carrier elements that interlock in a compact configuration and pivotally rotate to a fanned out selection configuration, featuring resilient clamps for secure retention and easy access, allowing markers to be easily selected, marked, and returned to the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If markers are presented in a fanned out configuration, then marker selection is improved, but device compactness and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier elements are designed to pivot about a common pivot spine, allowing the markers to be fanned out for selection while maintaining the ability to return to a compact stacked configuration. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the device to provide large marker access area only when needed, otherwise maintaining compact portability.
2Reliability
If resilient clamps are used to retain markers, then marker retention is improved, but automatic handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient clamp elements are designed with a normally clamped position that provides automatic marker retention without requiring additional actuation mechanisms. The clamps naturally maintain grip on the markers and can be easily overridden when marker removal is needed, providing reliable retention while remaining compatible with automatic handling systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If detent means are provided for retaining carrier elements, then structural stability is improved, but ease of reconfiguration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detent means are designed to be overcome by hand force to enable reconfiguration, but provide stable retention during normal use. The detent formations and recesses are shaped to require only minimal force to disengage, allowing easy manual reconfiguration while maintaining structural stability during operation.
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
Enables convenient carrying and selection of markers, facilitates automatic handling and re-use, and supports on-site marking with a portable marker unit, improving efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp element is preferably biassed to a normally clamped position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A marker carrier device has carrier elements for carrying respective markers, the device being re-configurable between a compact configuration and a selection configuration in which the markers are accessibly presented for selection. Carrier devices loaded with markers are received at a receiving station of a marking unit. The markers are selected from the carrier individually whilst in the marking unit and marked by a marking device with a predetermined indicium.