Segmented Cable Spool Transport System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation of long, heavy, and large-diameter cables for extra-high voltage underground cable projects is limited by weight and spool size restrictions, making it difficult to transport long individual cable lengths on land without excessive loss and requiring frequent spool changes and access route modifications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving winding and rewinding cables onto multiple transport spools, allowing for increased spool capacity and flexibility during transport, enabling longer cable lengths to be transported without the need for frequent spool changes or heavy-duty access routes, using devices that can convert between transport and spooling modes to manage weight and ground clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If cable length is increased to reduce transmission loss, then energy efficiency improves, but transport weight and spool dimensions exceed road and rail limits
Solution Approach 1:
The cable spool is divided into multiple individual spools, each capable of independent rotation. This allows the total cable length to be distributed across multiple transport units, with each unit carrying a manageable portion that meets road and rail weight and dimension limits, while the combined capacity provides the total length needed to minimize transmission loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple individual spools are combined into a single functional unit where their collective cable-holding capacity equals or exceeds that of a traditional single large spool. The spools work together as an integrated system, with coordinated rotation mechanisms that enable them to function as a unified cable delivery platform during installation.
2Length of moving object
If cable spool dimensions are increased to transport longer cable lengths, then individual payload length improves, but spool height and width exceed transport restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The single large spool is segmented into multiple smaller spools arranged in a modular configuration. Each spool has reduced dimensions that fit within standard transport restrictions, while the array of spools collectively provides the total cable length capacity of a much larger single spool through their combined volume.
3Ease of operation
If multiple spools are used to reduce weight per spool, then transportability improves, but the number of spool connections and socket structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spools are merged into a coordinated system where they operate together as a single functional unit. The spools are mechanically linked through a common support structure and control system, enabling them to rotate in synchronization and deliver cable continuously without requiring multiple separate connection points or socket structures along the cable path.
4Device complexity
If conventional single spool transport is used, then device complexity is minimized, but the number of cable socket connections and access routes must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is pre-distributed onto multiple spools in a coordinated arrangement before transport begins. This preliminary configuration allows the spools to deliver cable in sequence without requiring stopping, unloading, and reloading operations. The system is prepared in advance to provide continuous cable supply throughout the entire installation length, eliminating time-consuming spool change operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for providing essentially linear payloads, in particular long cables or ropes of large diameter and/or weight, at a transport destination, comprising the following steps: receiving a payload (1) at a transport starting point (winding process A1); distributing the received payload (1) by releasing a partial payload (rewinding process U1); transporting the distributed/divided total payload; rewinding the released partial payload (rewinding process U2); and providing and/or releasing the total payload at a transport destination (unwinding process A2).