Reel Adapter With Male Female Projections For Quick Cable Reel Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable reel transport systems face challenges in easily adapting to different reel mounting arrangements and swapping reels for exchanging or replenishing cable types, particularly when using a common drive system.
Innovation Solution
A reel adapter system with male and female portions, including projections and recesses with high spots, and fasteners, allows for quick mounting and swapping of cable reels on a transport device like a reel trolley, enabling compatibility with various reels and a common drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a custom reel mounting system is used for each reel type, then the reel can be securely mounted, but the complexity of the transport device increases and reel swapping becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple reel types with different mounting arrangements. By providing a standardized adapter design with male and female portions that can interface with various reel configurations, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring custom mounting mechanisms for each reel type.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the reel and the transport device. Rather than directly mounting each reel type to the transport device, the adapter mediates the connection, simplifying the overall system while enabling easy reel changes.
2Productivity
If reel mounting arrangements are standardized, then reel swapping becomes quick and easy, but compatibility with different reel types and mounting arrangements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into separate components: the adapter with male and female portions, the reel, and the transport device. This segmentation allows the adapter to be designed with standardized quick-connect features for rapid reel changes, while still providing adaptability through different adapter configurations that can accommodate various reel types.
3Reliability
If a secure mounting system with multiple fasteners is used, then the reel is firmly secured during transport, but the time required to mount and dismount the reel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is pre-configured with male and female portions and fastener locations before the reel mounting operation. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid connection and secures the reel firmly during transport without requiring time-consuming assembly steps in the field.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for readily changing out and mounting cable reels having a central opening in a transport device, such as a dolly, includes a pair of male portions, each having a body having a projection extending therefrom. The projections have at least one high spot. A pair of female portions are configured for mating with the male portions and have at least one recess for receiving the male portions' projections. A pair of fasteners secure the respective male and female portions to each other. An axle extends between the male or female portions, through the reel central opening and the male or female portions are positioned on ends of the axle. The reel with the axle and the male or female portions is positioned in the reel trolley, with the male or female portions mated with the others of the male or female portions and the fasteners are installed between the respective male and female portions to secure the reel in the trolley.