Retractable Cable Reel Hanger for Ladder Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable reels often have hangers that can slip off structures like ladder rungs, leading to the reel and connected devices falling, due to their design not being suitable for secure hanging.
Innovation Solution
A retractable and extendable hanger mechanism is integrated into the cable reel, allowing it to be securely hung on various objects with a bias towards the extended position for stability, and retracted for compact transport, using a pivotable design with a fixed mounting point and optional biasing mechanisms for easy single-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed cylindrical handle is used for hanging the cable reel, then the structure is simple and compact, but the hanger slips off structures like ladder rungs causing the reel to fall
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger is designed to be extendable and retractable rather than fixed. It can be extended to a longer position for secure hanging on ladder rungs and other structures, and retracted to a shorter position for compact storage and transport. This dynamic adjustment allows the same structure to provide both secure hanging capability and compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The extendable hanger can be nested within or alongside the handle structure when retracted, creating a compact configuration. The hanger extends from the handle assembly when needed for hanging, and can be stored within the overall handle-reel structure when not in use, reducing the effective size during transport.
2Reliability
If an extendable hanger is provided for secure hanging, then the hanging stability improves, but the device occupies more space during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger's length is dynamically adjustable between extended and retracted positions. During transport, the hanger is retracted to minimize the volume occupied by the cable reel. When hanging is required, the hanger extends to provide sufficient length for secure attachment to ladder rungs and other structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger is designed as a separate, movable component that can be independently extended or retracted from the main reel assembly. This segmentation allows the hanger to be positioned as needed without permanently increasing the base volume of the cable reel structure.
3Ease of operation
If the hanger is made rigid for easy single-handed operation, then the ease of operation improves, but the hanger cannot be retracted for compact transport
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger incorporates a pivotable joint that allows it to rotate between extended and retracted positions. This simple mechanical linkage provides the necessary movement capability while maintaining structural rigidity when extended for hanging operations, enabling single-handed operation without requiring complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger's pivotable design allows it to be easily manipulated by the user's hand to extend or retract as needed. The gravity-assisted pivot mechanism and ergonomic design enable the user to operate the hanger with one hand, extending it for hanging and retracting it for storage without requiring additional tools or complex controls.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable reel comprising a reel support, a spool disposed on the reel support, and a hanger, such as a hook, for hanging up the reel support on a structure such as a ladder rung, wherein the hanger is extendable from a retracted position to an extended position in which the hanger projects further from the reel support than in the retracted position. This allows the cable reel to be provided with a rigid hanger that can be retracted for transport and extended for hanging up, and so the hanger can be designed larger than would otherwise be practical.