Winding Device Pivoting Tines Flexible Object Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for winding elongate flexible objects, such as electrical power cords, often result in tangled, twisted, and fatigued cords due to inadequate support and adjustment capabilities, leading to inefficiencies in storage and handling.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a rigid central member with interchangeable and adjustable fork accessories, including pivoting tines and clamps, that allows for customizable winding lengths and easy object removal, reducing tangling and fatigue by providing robust and universal interconnection options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed winding device is used, then the winding structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different lengths and shapes of flexible objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different lengths and shapesVSAvoidwinding structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The winding device is divided into a rigid central member and separate fork members that can be independently positioned and adjusted. The forks can be removed and repositioned along the central member to accommodate different winding lengths and object shapes, providing adaptability without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fork members are designed to be movable and adjustable along the rigid central member rather than fixed. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt to different winding requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-pivoting tines are used, then the fork structure is simple, but the flexible objects become tangled and twisted during winding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetangling and twisting of objectsVSAvoidfork structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tines are designed with pivoting capability, allowing them to rotate independently as the flexible object is wound. This dynamic feature prevents the object from becoming tangled or twisted by accommodating natural movements and tensions, while adding only minimal complexity to the fork structure through simple pivot joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivoting tines provide preliminary anti-action by allowing controlled movement that prevents tangling and twisting before they occur. The ability of the tines to rotate independently counteracts the forces that would otherwise cause the flexible object to become entangled during the winding process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Adaptability or versatility

If permanent forks are attached to the rigid member, then the structure is stable, but the winding length cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewinding length adjustmentVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into a stable rigid central member and separate fork members that can be independently positioned. The forks can be attached at different locations along the central member to adjust winding length, while the central member itself maintains structural stability. This segmentation allows both adjustability and stability to coexist.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fork members are designed to be pre-positioned or pre-adjusted to appropriate locations on the rigid central member before winding begins. This preliminary positioning establishes the desired winding length while maintaining structural stability during the actual winding operation, as the forks remain firmly attached at their selected positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If complex clamping mechanisms are used, then the objects are securely held, but the device becomes difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holding of objectsVSAvoiddevice operability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is designed to automatically grip and secure the flexible object when the fork is positioned correctly, without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple操作步骤. The simple clamp design provides reliable holding through its basic structure and positioning, making the device easy to operate while maintaining security of the wound object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9738486B2Device for winding elongate flexible objects

Publication Date: 2017.08.22 COBURN SCOTT

AI summary

A device for winding elongate flexible objects is disclosed herein. The device includes a rigid member extending along a central axis between first and second ends. The device also includes first and second forks each having a base mountable to the rigid member and a plurality of tines supported on the base. The first fork and the second fork are further defined as both being removably engaged with the rigid member. The plurality of tines of the first fork include at least one tine mounted for pivoting movement about a pivot axis extending transverse to the central axis and this tine is larger than the other tines of the first fork.