Spring-Driven Reel Screw Mechanism for Helical Spring Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring-driven reels for cranes and hoists with 'clock' type springs have limited lifespan, requiring extensive disassembly for replacement, and elongated helical springs fail due to rotational twisting.
Innovation Solution
A spring-driven reel design incorporating a gear assembly and multiple non-rotatable helical spring assemblies with a screw member and ball nut, where the screw member rotates to unwind and rewind the line or cable, utilizing preset tension to maintain spool position and manage line slack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If elongated helical springs are used to replace clock type springs, then the lifespan is extended, but the springs eventually fail due to rotational twisting
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the helical spring to rotate freely (which causes twisting and failure), the patent inverts the approach by using a non-rotatable nut that converts rotational motion into linear motion. The spring remains stationary while the nut moves linearly along the screw member, eliminating rotational twisting and extending spring lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional rotating helical spring mechanism with a screw-nut linear conversion mechanism. The helical spring's rotational energy is substituted by linear motion through the screw member and non-rotatable nut, preventing the spring from twisting and failing.
2Ease of operation
If clock type springs are used, then the reel operates smoothly, but extensive disassembly is required for spring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spring assembly into modular components (screw member, non-rotatable nut, helical spring) that can be independently replaced. This modular design allows the spring assembly to be serviced without disassembling the entire reel, improving ease of repair while maintaining operational smoothness.
3Length of moving object
If helical springs are used to handle longer lines, then the reel can manage more line capacity, but the springs fail more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the spring operation mode from rotational to linear, preventing the twisting that causes failure. This allows the spring to reliably handle longer line capacities without the rotational twisting that plagues traditional helical spring designs.
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 design enhances the durability of helical springs, reducing repair and replacement needs, as the spring assemblies can handle longer and heavier lines or cables with improved longevity.
Implementation Method 1
the spring rotates the spool to wind the line or cable onto the spool
Implementation Method 2
elongated helical or linear springs have been substituted for the 'clock' type springs
Implementation Method 3
The spring assembly can include a screw member and a non-rotatable nut moveably mounted to the screw member
Data Source
AI summary
A spring-driven reel is adapted to include a gear assembly, and a reel assembly operatively coupled to at least one gear of the gear assembly. The spring-driven reel can also include at least one spring assembly. The spring assembly can include a screw member and a non-rotatable nut moveably mounted to the screw member.