Tether Payout Limiter with Dial-Set Pawl and Ring Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reel assemblies lack a means to easily and effectively adjust and limit the maximum payout of tether from the reel, which is essential for ensuring safety and control in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A payout limiter apparatus that uses a dial indicator to select and visually confirm the maximum payout length, featuring a pawl trigger and ring gear mechanism with gear reductions to control the tether payout, allowing the user to set the desired tether length and lock it after a predetermined length is reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reel assembly is used without a payout limiter, then the tether can be dispensed freely, but the maximum payout cannot be controlled or limited
Solution Approach 1:
The payout limiter is nested within the reel assembly structure, with the ring gear fitting over the reel shaft and the pawl trigger mechanism integrated into the existing reel components. This allows the limiting function to be added without requiring a completely separate external mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl trigger acts as an intermediary component between the ring gear and the reel shaft, translating the rotational position of the ring gear into a mechanical locking action that prevents further tether payout when the maximum length is reached.
2Reliability
If a payout limiter mechanism is added to control maximum tether length, then safety control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex electronic control systems found in prior art are replaced with a purely mechanical solution using a ring gear, pawl trigger, and spring mechanism. This mechanical approach achieves the same payout limiting function with fewer components and simpler integration into existing reel assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring gear serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical interface for the pawl trigger, acts as a visual indicator for tether payout length through its rotation, and engages with the reel shaft's gear reductions to translate rotational position into linear payout measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing reel assemblies are modified to include payout adjustment capability, then adaptability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl trigger is pre-positioned relative to the ring gear at various angular positions during assembly, allowing the maximum payout length to be set before the reel is put into service. This preliminary adjustment simplifies field installation and eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pawl trigger provides a dynamic adjustment capability where the trigger can be manually repositioned to different angular positions on the ring gear, allowing the maximum payout length to be changed as needed while maintaining a simple mechanical structure that requires no additional power or control systems.
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 easy adjustment and control of tether payout, ensuring safety by locking the tether at a predetermined length, which can be retrofitted onto existing reel assemblies, providing a versatile solution for various applications including air, land, and sea-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft of the reel assembly is rotatably interconnected to the ring gear via a series of gear reductions
Implementation Method 2
After a predetermined length of tether has been dispensed, the pawl trigger encounters the cut-out about the ring gear. This, in turn, causes a pawl to engage a ratchet associated with the reel shaft to prevent further rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for selectively adjusting the maximum payout of a tether from a reel assembly. The maximum payout can be selected by the user via a dial indicator on the end of the apparatus. By rotating the dial, an internal pawl is positioned relative to an associated ring gear. The ring gear includes a cut-out about its peripheral edge. The shaft of the reel assembly is rotatably interconnected to the ring gear via a series of gear reductions. After a predetermined about of tether has been paid out, the pawl encounters the cut-out about the ring gear. This, in turn, causes the pawl to engage the reel shaft to prevent further rotation. The maximum payout is determined by the initial spacing between the pawl and the cut-out.