Reel Handler Hydraulic Drive and Lateral Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reel handlers face limitations in angular travel and lateral movement due to space constraints, leading to suboptimal reel rotation and winding processes, with mechanical disadvantages and slippage issues.

Innovation Solution

A reel handler device with a slide base and hydraulic systems, including double-acting cylinders and torsion bar shafts, allows for increased angular travel and lateral movement, enabling level winding and unwinding of cables without lateral force, using hydraulic motors and jacks for stabilization and rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical toggle links are used to achieve angular swing of lift arms, then the reel handler can lift and position reels, but the angular travel is limited and mechanical losses occur at the ends of the cylinder stroke

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular travel of lift armsVSAvoidmechanical losses at cylinder stroke ends

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical toggle link system with a hydraulic cylinder directly mounted to the lift arm. This substitution eliminates the mechanical disadvantage inherent in toggle links and removes the mechanical losses that occur at the ends of the cylinder stroke, while maintaining the ability to achieve the required angular travel for reel positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses hydraulic cylinders to provide the lifting force for the reel arms. By using hydraulic actuation instead of mechanical linkages, the system achieves smoother operation over the full range of motion without the mechanical losses and travel limitations associated with toggle link mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle width is maintained at 96 inches for transit, then the vehicle meets standard width requirements, but lateral movement of the lifting arms is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral movement of lifting armsVSAvoidvehicle width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the lateral movement limitation by allowing the reel handler to operate in three dimensions. The reel can be positioned laterally within the 96-inch width constraint, and the cable can be paid out in an arc as the reel rotates. This dimensional approach allows full lateral coverage of the reel width without requiring the vehicle itself to exceed standard width limits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If friction rollers are used to rotate the reel, then the reel can be powered and reversed, but slippage occurs and braking is less than optimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepowered payout and take-up of cableVSAvoidslippage of roller at reel periphery

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces friction-based roller rotation with a direct drive system that uses a hydraulic motor connected through a gear reduction mechanism to the reel arbor. This mechanical substitution eliminates slippage entirely by providing direct positive engagement between the drive system and the reel, while also providing optimal braking control through the hydraulic system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device achieves enhanced angular swing and lateral movement, facilitating efficient and level cable winding and unwinding across the full width of the reel, improving operational precision and reducing mechanical losses.

Implementation Method 1

hydraulic double-acting cylinders in the channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

Hydraulic lift cylinders move the lifting arms in unison

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

Hydraulic motors mounted on the lifting arms rotate the reel mounted on the first and second lifting arms in unison

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic motor: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 4

The lifting arms having a torsion bar shaft, preferably square, attached thereto to maintain a fixed alignment between them

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 5

Durable plastic liners in the channels reduce the friction of metal on metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS7494087B2Reel handler

Publication Date: 2009.02.24 DEJANA TRUCK & UTILITY EQUIP CO LLC

AI summary

A cable reel handler device, including a slide base on a vehicle having channels aligned transverse to the length of the vehicle. A pair of movable carriages provide lateral movement in the channels via hydraulic cylinders. Lifting arms mounted respectively on the carriages extend out to engage a reel, and have an extensible torsion bar shaft to maintain a fixed alignment. Hydraulic lift cylinders move the lifting arms in unison to move a reel to and from the vehicle and in position for winding and unwinding cable on the reel. Hydraulic motors rotate the reel for winding and unwinding cable. A source of hydraulic fluid is operably connected to all the hydraulic devices.