Turntable Spooling Drum for Mobile Service Carrier Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-line chain carriers are inflexible and can only extend in one direction from a fixed spooling drum, limiting the deployment area of services in manufacturing and servicing environments, particularly when services are required by mobile units like autonomous ground vehicles that move within a facility.
Innovation Solution
A spooling apparatus with a turntable-mounted spooling drum that rotates to maintain alignment with a mobile unit, coupled with a flexible services conduit and a twist management section to accommodate rotation without disrupting service delivery, allowing the elongate carrier to flex vertically and remain aligned with the unit as it moves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a fixed spooling drum is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the deployment area is limited to one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The spooling drum is mounted on a turntable that can rotate about a vertical axis, transforming the fixed structure into a dynamic one. This allows the spooling drum to change its orientation and align with mobile units moving in different directions, thereby expanding the deployment area from a single direction to multiple directions around the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the spooling apparatus by mounting the drum on a turntable. This allows the system to operate not only in the linear extension direction but also in the rotational angle dimension, enabling services to be provided to mobile units positioned at various angular positions around the facility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spooling drum is fixed to the floor, then the structure is stable, but the services cannot follow mobile units that move within the facility
Solution Approach 1:
The turntable-mounted spooling drum can dynamically rotate to track and align with mobile units as they move within the facility. This dynamic alignment ensures continuous service provision without interruption, maintaining reliability while adapting to changing positions of mobile units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position and orientation of mobile units, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables the turntable and spooling drum to automatically adjust their orientation to maintain alignment with the mobile unit, ensuring continuous and reliable service delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the elongate carrier is rigid, then the structure is simple, but it cannot flex to accommodate rotation and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate carrier is designed with flexible segments that allow it to bend and flex as the spooling drum rotates and as the mobile unit moves. This flexibility enables the carrier to accommodate the dynamic movements and rotations without breaking or disconnecting, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
4Area of stationary object
If the spooling drum rotates to align with mobile units, then the service coverage area increases, but the cables and hoses may become strained or entangled
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elongate carrier allows the spooling drum to rotate and align with mobile units without causing strain or entanglement in the cables and hoses. The flexibility absorbs the rotational movements and maintains smooth cable routing, preventing harmful effects while enabling expanded service coverage.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b
AI summary
A spooling apparatus (100) is arranged to provide one or more services to a remote ground vehicle in a maintenance facility via a multi-line elongate carrier (92). The spooling apparatus (100) includes a base (5) for receiving services to be provided to the remote ground vehicle through the elongate carrier (92), and a turntable (25) mounted on the base (5) and arranged to rotate with respect to the base (5). A spooling drum (35) which houses the elongate carrier (92) is mounted on the turntable (25) and is free to rotate so that as the vehicle moves within the maintenance facility the elongate carrier (92) remains oriented towards the remote ground vehicle.