Single-Layer Elevating Cable Reel to Prevent Eddy Current Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevating cable reels face issues with downsizing, stability, and heat generation due to eddy currents, and are not suitable for multi-use facilities like restaurants and pubs, where they can obstruct aesthetics and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A single-layer winding elevating cable reel with a motor and gear unit integrated within the drum, using a slip ring for power transmission, and a microcomputer for tension detection and control, which prevents eddy currents and allows for precise winding and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the motor and cable winding unit are disposed at a predetermined distance from each other, then the cable reel can provide sufficient winding capacity, but the device size increases and the center of gravity becomes unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is integrated directly into the drum structure, merging the driving unit and winding unit into a single compact assembly. This eliminates the need for separate motor housing and transmission mechanisms, achieving both compact size and balanced center of gravity while maintaining sufficient winding capacity through direct drive configuration
2Quantity of substance
If the power cable is wound on the drum several times in multiple layers, then the cable reel can accommodate longer cables, but eddy currents are induced between adjacent cables causing heat generation and fire risk
Solution Approach 1:
The drum surface is segmented into multiple independent winding layers with insulating barriers between them. This segmentation prevents eddy current formation by isolating adjacent cable layers electrically, allowing multi-layer winding for increased cable capacity without the heat generation problem
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating material is introduced as an intermediary layer between adjacent cable windings on the drum. This intermediary prevents direct electrical contact between cables in different layers, eliminating eddy current paths while maintaining the compact multi-layer winding structure
3Reliability
If a configuration for preventing the main power supplying cable from being tangled is added, then cable tangling is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main power supplying cable is extracted from the winding mechanism entirely, running separately along the drum axis without being wound on the drum surface. This extraction eliminates the tangling problem between power cable and outlet cable while keeping the winding mechanism simple and uncomplicated
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
The solution prevents eddy currents, allows for compact and stable operation, and enables the integration of electrical outlets or game devices, enhancing safety and aesthetics in multi-use facilities by reducing heat generation and improving space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a slip ring installed on a part of the drum to receive commercial power in a contact manner
Implementation Method 2
since the conventional cable reel is configured so that the power cable is wound on the drum several times in multiple layers, eddy current is induced between the cables adjacent to the upper and lower layers when the power is supplied, resulting in heat generation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention disclosed a elevating cable reel of single-layer winding type comprising; a main body installed on a ceiling or wall or a support of a predetermined shape and having a storage space therein; a drum rotatably accommodated inside the main body, and having a hollow therein, and a power cable being wound around a circumferential surface thereof; a driving motor disposed in the hollow to provide forward/reverse rotational force to the drum; a slip ring installed on a part of the drum to receive commercial power in a contact manner; and an elevating body suspended from the lower end of the power cable and installed to be elevated up and down. And, the power cable is wound in a single layer on the circumferential surface of the drum to prevent heat generation due to eddy current.