Transformable Cable Reel Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of fiber optic cables in buildings, particularly in multi-dwelling units and apartments, is complicated by the need to manage numerous separated cables, leading to inefficiencies in routing and storage, resulting in increased time and cost due to the bulkiness of standard cable reels when storing excess cable.
Innovation Solution
A transformable cable reel design that can switch between two configurations: a first configuration for spooling and payout, and a second, more compact configuration for efficient storage of excess cable, reducing volume and preventing disorganization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If standard cable reels are used to store excess fiber optic cable, then cable storage is achieved, but the storage volume is large and the reel becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The cable reel employs a collapsible drum structure that can dynamically change its volume. The drum includes collapsible sides that can be compressed inward to reduce the drum's overall volume, allowing the reel to adapt its size based on the amount of cable being stored or dispensed. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by enabling the reel to maintain large storage capacity when needed while minimizing volume when cable is paid out.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable reel is divided into multiple functional segments including a collapsible drum, removable flanges, and adjustable components. The drum can be segmented into collapsible sides that independently fold inward, allowing progressive volume reduction. This segmentation enables the reel to transition between expanded storage mode and compact transport mode without compromising cable storage capacity.
2Volume of stationary object
If flanges are removed from the cable reel to reduce volume, then storage compactness is improved, but cable retention capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flanges are designed to be removable and reattachable rather than fixed. They can be detached when volume reduction is needed for storage or transport, and reattached when cable retention is required during cable dispensing operations. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between compact storage mode (flanges removed) and operational mode (flanges attached), resolving the contradiction between volume reduction and cable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The flanges are temporarily discarded (removed) when volume reduction is needed, and then recovered (reattached) when cable retention functionality is required. This temporary removal and subsequent recovery of the flanges allows the reel to achieve compact storage volume while maintaining full cable retention capability when needed for operational reliability.
3Volume of stationary object
If excess cable is removed from the cable reel, then storage volume is reduced, but cable organization is worsened leading to disorganization
Solution Approach 1:
The cable reel provides a dynamic storage solution where the collapsible drum maintains its structural integrity and organizational function even as its volume changes. The drum's collapsible sides fold inward in a controlled manner that preserves the spooled cable's organization, preventing tangling or disorganization while reducing storage volume.
Data Source
AI summary
Transformable cable reels, related assemblies and methods are disclosed. The transformable cable reels may be provided in a first reel configuration for spooling on cable to the transformable cable reel and to pay out the spooled cable from the transformable cable reel. Cable spooled on the transformable cable reel may be payed out during cable installations. The transformable cable reel may also be configured in a second reel configuration for storage of any excess cable after cable payout. As one non-limiting example, the volume of the cable reel may be less in the second reel configuration than in the first reel configuration so that less volume is required to store the transformable cable reel. Providing the transformable cable reel in the second reel configuration may make it more feasible to store the transformable cable reel in fiber optic equipment, and/or avoid storing excess cable removed from a cable reel.