Universal Winder with Trigger and Coil Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack a universal and efficient method for winding various long, slender, and flexible items around spools of different sizes, making it difficult to achieve neat and compact storage.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held, manually operated universal winder with a handle, enclosure, and coil spring mechanism that allows for easy winding and unwinding of items around interchangeable spools of different sizes, using a trigger to control spindle rotation and prevent unwinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal winder is designed to accommodate spools of different sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is designed to be adjustable and interchangeable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to different spool sizes. The trigger mechanism provides dynamic control over spindle rotation, enabling the same device to handle various item sizes through operational flexibility rather than mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The winder is designed as a universal device that can wind different types of flexible items (wire, rope, string, hose, tubing, cord) around spools of various sizes using the same basic mechanism, achieving versatility through simplicity rather than multiple specialized components
2Ease of operation
If a coil spring mechanism is used to enable easy unwinding, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring provides automatic recoil functionality that unwinds the cord without user intervention. When the trigger is released, the spring automatically rewinds the cord and spins the spindle, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for manual cranking or complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring acts as an intermediary energy storage element between the user's initial winding action and the automatic unwinding process. It stores mechanical energy during winding and releases it during unwinding, mediating the operation to achieve ease of use while maintaining simple mechanics
3Reliability
If a trigger mechanism is added to control spindle rotation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism extracts and isolates the control function from the main winding mechanism. By separating the control element (trigger) from the power transmission elements, it provides reliable control over spindle rotation and prevention of unwinding without adding significant complexity to the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism is pre-configured in a safe position that prevents unwinding until deliberately activated. This preliminary control setup ensures reliability by default safety, allowing the user to control when unwinding occurs without complex continuous 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 quick and efficient winding of flexible items around spools of multiple sizes, ensuring secure storage and easy handling, with the ability to accommodate various shapes and sizes through interchangeable spool designs.
Implementation Method 1
The enclosure may also house a coil spring 145, as illustrated in greater detail below. The cord 130 may include a pull handle 135, which may be pulled by a user to unwind the cord 130 against spring pressure caused by unwinding the coil spring 145.
Implementation Method 2
Trigger 150 may be attached to handle 115 at a fulcrum point 157, and a portion of trigger 150 may extend into the interior of spindle 140 through the interior of spool 148 such that applying pressure on exterior portion of trigger 150 may cause the interior portion to make contact with the interior of spindle 140. This contact may cause friction to slow and/or stop the rotation of spindle 140.
Data Source
AI summary
A winder may include a body, a spindle, and a manually actuated winding mechanism. The spindle may be coupled to the body and constructed and arranged to be rotatable with respect to the body and to be removably coupled to at least one spool. The manually actuated winding mechanism may be coupled to the spindle and constructed and arranged to rotate the spindle and the at least one spool.