Rotatable Reel Flanges With Arbor Adapters for Axle-Free Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable reel handling systems lack maneuverability and flexibility, requiring axles that restrict their use to specific widths and necessitate additional material handling, making it difficult to efficiently install and transport cable reels to different locations.
Innovation Solution
The development of independently rotating flanges with arbor hole adapters that can be removably attached to reels, allowing for independent rotation and secure locking, enabling easy maneuverability and installation of reels without the need for axles, and incorporating self-loading mechanisms for efficient positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If axles are used to support cable reels, then the system provides structural support, but the system loses flexibility and is restricted to specific widths
Solution Approach 1:
The flange assembly with arbor hole adapters is designed to accommodate reels of various widths through a universal interface system. The adapters can be configured in different arrangements (single adapter, dual adapters, nested adapters) to fit different reel diameters, making the same flange assembly universally applicable across multiple reel sizes without requiring width-specific axles
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into modular components: flanges, arbor hole adapters, and connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows the adapters to be independently configured to match different reel widths while maintaining a consistent flange interface, providing flexibility without increasing overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If axles are used to support cable reels, then the system provides structural support, but additional material handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The flange assembly with arbor hole adapters is designed to be self-installing onto the reel arbor holes without requiring separate axle components. The adapters directly engage with the reel's existing arbor holes, eliminating the need for additional material handling steps such as positioning and securing separate axles, thereby reducing installation time and improving ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If flanges are removably attached to reels, then the system gains flexibility for different widths, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flange assembly incorporates movable elements including adjustable adapters and positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic configuration to match different reel widths. The adapters can be positioned, rotated, or adjusted during installation to achieve proper fit, providing adaptability while keeping the attachment mechanism relatively simple through standardized interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of flanges attachable to the arbor hole of a reel is disclosed. The flanges provide a mechanism to allow the reel to be easily loaded, and lifted into place. Once loaded into place, the flanges may include a locking mechanism that locks the reel in place, centered on the flanges. Additionally, the flanges are attachable using a hub that allows them to rotate independently from one another, and from the reel to which they are attached.