Ring Apparatus Lifting Heavy Windable Material Spools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are inadequate for efficiently lifting and supporting heavy spools with windable materials from one site to another, as they require manual rolling and struggle to elevate and move such items across the floor effectively.
Innovation Solution
A ring-based apparatus with a strut and carriage assembly that allows for the lifting and support of spools by positioning a cooperating member with the barrel, enabling the spool to be elevated and rolled across the floor with reduced effort, using a two-stage process to lift and align the spool's flanges above the floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual rolling is used to move spools across the floor, then the method is simple and requires no additional equipment, but it becomes extremely difficult and inefficient when the spools are heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ring apparatus as an intermediary device between the worker and the heavy spool. The ring with rolling engagement contacts the spool's flange, providing mechanical advantage and reducing the effort required to move heavy spools across the floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting apparatus is divided into functional segments: a ring for rolling engagement, a strut for structural support, and a carriage assembly with cooperating members for gripping the spool. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently.
2Ease of operation
If heavy spools are to be elevated from the floor for material winding operations, then the spool can be properly positioned for work, but manual lifting becomes impractical due to the heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
The ring apparatus serves as a mechanical intermediary that provides leverage and mechanical advantage. By positioning the ring under the spool's flange and rolling it into position, the apparatus enables elevation of heavy spools without requiring direct manual lifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring apparatus utilizes its circular geometry to roll under and support the spool flange. The curved rolling surface provides mechanical advantage, allowing the apparatus to lift and reposition heavy spools with reduced effort compared to direct vertical lifting.
3Device complexity
If a simple ring structure is used for lifting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the lifting capability and structural strength are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three functional elements into a unified apparatus: the ring for rolling engagement, the strut for structural support, and the carriage assembly with cooperating members for gripping. This combination achieves both structural strength for heavy spools and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as a rolling support, a lifting mechanism, and a positioning device. The same apparatus can handle spools of varying weights and dimensions, providing universal applicability without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
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
Facilitates the easy movement and elevation of heavy spools, allowing for efficient winding or unwinding of materials while reducing manual labor, as the apparatus supports the spool's weight and allows it to be rolled with ease.
Implementation Method 1
the ring of the apparatus is rolled along the floor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for lifting a spool of windable material including a barrel and two flanges whose rims engage the floor utilizes a ring having a diameter which is greater than the height of the flanges of the spool desired to be lifted. A strut spans at least a portion of the ring interior, and a carriage assembly which is cooperable with the spool barrel at one end thereof is mounted upon the strut for movement between first and second locations therealong so that by positioning the apparatus alongside one flange of the spool while the carriage assembly is positioned in its first location along the strut, placing the carriage assembly in cooperating relationship with the barrel of the spool, and then effecting the movement of the carriage assembly along the length of the strut to the second location therealong, the one flange of the spool is lifted from the floor.