Rotational Collar Friction Reduction for Utility Spool Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility spools on horizontal shafts experience excessive friction due to their weight, making cable dispensing difficult and dangerous for workers, and are prone to movement, which complicates control during installation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs two rotational collars with a first sleeve contacting the horizontal shaft and a second frusto-conical sleeve contacting the spool, forming a lubricious surface to allow rotational movement while maintaining the spool's fixed position, using set screws for attachment and accommodating varying shaft and spool diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the utility spool is placed directly on the horizontal shaft, then the spool can be transported, but excessive friction occurs due to the spool's weight making cable dispensing difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a collar as an intermediary component between the utility spool and the horizontal shaft. The collar rotates on the shaft while the spool rotates on the collar, separating the direct contact and reducing friction. This mediator allows the heavy spool to be supported without its full weight creating excessive friction during cable dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct rotating components: the collar that rotates on the shaft and the spool that rotates on the collar. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific functions independently, with the collar managing the shaft interface and the spool managing the cable interface, thereby reducing overall system friction.
2Ease of operation
If the utility spool is placed directly on the horizontal shaft, then the structure is simple, but the spool is free to move about the shaft making it difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The collar serves as a mediator that provides controlled interaction between the spool and shaft. It allows rotational movement while maintaining positional control, preventing the spool from moving freely along the shaft while still enabling cable dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed to be dynamic, allowing rotational movement to accommodate cable dispensing while maintaining controlled positioning. The rotational capability of the collar on the shaft enables the system to adapt to operational requirements while preventing uncontrolled spool movement.
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
This solution reduces friction and stabilizes the utility spool on the horizontal shaft, enhancing safety and control during cable dispensing by allowing rotational movement while preventing spool rotation against non-rotational surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The first sleeve and second frusto-conical sleeve form a lubricious surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for retaining a utility reel on a horizontal shaft, said apparatus comprising a first rotational collar and a second rotational collar configured to be attached to the horizontal shaft on either side of the utility spool. The apparatus is held in place by set screws, the set screws typically being such that they cannot be removed without grinding or cutting so as to not vibrate loose while transporting said reel.