Reel Chock with Pivot Arm for Cable Reel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable reels, often weighing several tons, pose a risk due to their weight and rolling characteristics, especially on uneven surfaces, requiring secure transportation and storage solutions to prevent accidents and uncontrolled movement during installation.
Innovation Solution
A reel chock system that includes a chock body, pivot plate, pivot arm, and reel fastener, allowing for independent rotation of inner flanges while securing outer flanges, thereby preventing uncontrolled rotation and movement of the reel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable reel is allowed to rotate freely during transportation, then the cable can be easily installed by rotating the reel, but the reel may move uncontrollably on uneven surfaces causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The reel is divided into two independently rotatable parts: the outer flange and the inner flange/drum assembly. The chock secures the outer flange to prevent uncontrolled movement during transportation, while the inner flange/drum can still rotate for cable installation. This segmentation allows the outer flange to be restrained separately from the cable-releasing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel chock acts as an intermediary device between the reel and the ground. It provides a stable interface that prevents the reel from moving on uneven surfaces while allowing controlled rotation through the fastener mechanism. The chock body with pivot arm creates a mechanical intermediary that mediates between the need for stability and the need for rotation.
2Reliability
If the reel is secured to prevent rotation during transportation, then safety during transport is improved, but the ability to install cable by rotating the reel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the reel into outer and inner flanges that can rotate independently, the system allows the outer flange to be secured for stability while the inner flange/drum assembly remains free to rotate for cable installation. This resolves the contradiction by applying restraint to only the portion of the reel needed for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static secured state to a dynamic rotating state through the fastener mechanism. The outer flange can be dynamically secured or released based on whether transportation or installation is the current operation, allowing the system to adapt its degree of freedom as needed.
3Device complexity
If a simple chock structure is used to secure the reel, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to allow independent rotation of inner components is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot arm connected to the chock body through a pivot point creates a simple yet dynamic structure. This mechanical linkage allows the arm to adjust its position and apply restraint selectively, enabling the system to accommodate independent rotation of inner components while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot arm acts as a mechanical intermediary between the chock body and the reel flange. It provides a simple articulating connection that allows controlled movement and independent rotation while maintaining the restraint function, adding versatility without significant complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A reel chock is disclosed according to various embodiments. The reel chock can include a chock body that has a width that extends along a pivot axis. The reel chock also can include a pivot plate attached to the chock body. The pivot plate can be transverse to the pivot axis. The reel chock also can include a pivot arm that is rotatably connected to the pivot plate such that the pivot arm rotates about the pivot axis. The pivot arm can include a fastener portion that extends at least partially over the chock body.