Telescoping Stand for Spool Lifting on Uneven Floors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material handling apparatuses are limited in supporting spools of varying diameters and are prone to tipping, especially when the ground is not level, making it difficult to efficiently unwind or wind materials from spools.
Innovation Solution
A pair of stands with telescoping post assemblies and lift mechanisms that can adjust to support spools of a wide range of diameters, allowing for stable lifting and rotation of spools even on uneven surfaces, featuring a screw jack assembly for height adjustment and a rotatable arbor for secure lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art stands are used to lift spools, then lifting function is provided, but the stands cannot support spools of varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The stand incorporates a telescoping post assembly with inner and outer tube sections that can extend and retract, allowing the stand height to be dynamically adjusted to accommodate spools of different diameters. This dynamic structure enables a single stand design to adapt to various spool sizes without requiring multiple fixed-height stands.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand allows modification of its geometric parameters (height, position) through the telescoping mechanism and adjustable components. By changing the extended length of the telescoping post and the position of the lift assembly along the post, the stand can be configured to support spools ranging from small to large diameters.
2Reliability
If prior art stands are used on uneven ground, then lifting function is provided, but the stands tip over easily
Solution Approach 1:
The stand features an asymmetric base structure with front and rear legs positioned at different distances from the vertical post. The rear leg is positioned farther back, creating a longer moment arm that increases stability and prevents tipping forward when lifting spools on uneven ground. This asymmetric configuration provides inherent resistance to toppling forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand incorporates adjustment mechanisms that allow positioning in multiple dimensions - the telescoping post provides vertical adjustment, while the lift assembly can be positioned at different heights along the post. This multi-dimensional adjustment capability enables the stand to adapt to uneven ground surfaces by compensating for height variations.
3Manufacturing precision
If prior art stands are used to support spools for rotation, then lifting function is provided, but the stands cannot maintain horizontal axis orientation on uneven floors
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping post assembly provides dynamic vertical adjustment capability, allowing the stand to compensate for uneven floor surfaces. By independently adjusting the height of each stand, the spool can be positioned with its axis horizontal even when the underlying floor is not level, ensuring proper orientation for rotation during winding or unwinding operations.
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
Enables the stable lifting and rotation of spools across a broad range of diameters, resisting tipping and accommodating uneven floors, thus facilitating efficient material handling processes.
Implementation Method 1
a screw jack assembly for height adjustment
Implementation Method 2
a lift assembly which is connected to the other of the opposite tube sections and which is cooperable with a corresponding end of the barrel of the item so that when the stand supports the spool, at least a portion of the weight of the item rests upon the lift assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for lifting and supporting a spool of windable material above a floor includes a pair of supports wherein each support includes a floor-engaging base and an elongated telescoping post assembly joined to the base so as to extend vertically upwardly therefrom. A lift assembly is connected to the post assembly and is releasably securable at alternative locations therealong, and the telecoping post assembly can be altered in length so that by positioning each of the supports adjacent a corresponding end of the barrel of the spool, arranging the lift assemblies of the stands in cooperating relationship with the barrel of the spool so that when lifted by the stands, the weight of the spool rests upon the lift assemblies, and then lengthening the post assembly, the spool is lifted from the floor by way of the lift assemblies.