Reel Lifting Device with Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reel unwinder devices are cumbersome, difficult to maintain, and require powerful, chemically resistant jacks due to their compact design, which complicates handling and cleaning, especially in industries like medical and food where reel fragility and hygiene are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device with a pivoting mechanism using a lever and arm system that allows for a less powerful cylinder to lift the reel, featuring a fairing to protect the actuator from chemicals and a second bar for reduced cantilever effect, enabling easier access and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact design with the cylinder positioned under the axis is used, then the unwinder size is reduced, but the cylinder must be powerful and chemically resistant, increasing cost and maintenance difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder is extracted from its traditional position under the axis and relocated to the structure's frame. This separation allows the cylinder to be positioned in a more accessible location for maintenance while reducing the need for extreme chemical resistance properties, as it is no longer directly exposed to cleaning agents in the same manner.
Solution Approach 2:
A arm acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the cylinder and the axis. The arm transmits the lifting force from the cylinder to the axis, allowing the cylinder to be positioned elsewhere in the structure while still achieving the lifting function without direct exposure to chemicals.
2Volume of moving object
If the cylinder is positioned under the axis for compactness, then space is saved, but the cylinder is easily stained or soiled and requires regular cleaning with chemical products
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder is extracted from the contaminated zone under the axis and repositioned in a cleaner area of the structure. This physical separation removes the cylinder from direct exposure to chemical cleaning products and soil contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention accepts using a less chemically resistant, potentially less expensive cylinder by positioning it where it won't be exposed to harsh chemicals. The trade-off is acceptable because the cylinder's location protects it from contamination rather than relying on chemical resistance.
3Reliability
If a powerful cylinder with improved chemical resistance is used, then the reel can be lifted reliably, but the cylinder is difficult to access for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder is extracted from the confined space under the axis and repositioned in an accessible location on the structure's frame. This allows maintenance personnel to easily reach and service the cylinder without disassembling other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm serves as a mechanical intermediary that transmits force from the accessible cylinder location to the axis. This allows the cylinder to be positioned for easy maintenance while still performing its lifting function reliably.
4Ease of manufacture
If a hydraulic cylinder is used to reduce costs, then the initial expense is lower, but the reel becomes soiled if the hydraulic line breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder is extracted from the position directly under the reel and repositioned in a location where potential leaks would not directly contaminate the reel. This spatial separation reduces the risk of hydraulic fluid soiling the film reel.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm acts as a mechanical intermediary between the hydraulic cylinder and the reel, providing a buffer zone that reduces the direct impact of potential hydraulic leaks on the reel.
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 results in a compact, cost-effective, and easy-to-maintain reel unwinder that can handle heavy reels with reduced risk of contamination, using a less expensive and less powerful actuator, while simplifying the installation and maintenance process.
Implementation Method 1
A lifting device with a pivoting mechanism using a lever and arm system that allows for a less powerful cylinder to lift the reel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a reel lifting device and an unwinder comprising such a lifting device.A lifting device (1) for an unwinding shaft (20) of a reel unwinder (2), the unwinding shaft (20) extending perpendicularly at one end by a first bar (21) pivoting about a first axis (OO'), said lifting device (1) comprising pivoting actuating means (4) for the first bar (21) about the first axis (OO'), a cylinder (40) connected at one end to the structure (3), the pivoting actuating means (4) comprising a lever (5) pivoting about a second axis (AA') offset with respect to the first axis (OO') and an arm (6) pivoting about the same second axis (AA'), the distal end (51) of said lever (5) being connected to the cylinder (40), the proximal ends (50, 60) of the lever (5) and the arm (6) being fixed and pivoting about the second axis (AA'), the end distal (61) of the arm (6) comprising means for pivoting guidance (7) of the first bar (21) during the actuation of the cylinder (40).