Passive Wire Spool Level Indicator via Mechanical Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for depositing material in the form of wire lack a reliable, energy-independent method to indicate the filling level of the spool, relying on electrical or electronic sensors that require a source of energy.
Innovation Solution
A passive indication system using a rod mechanism with movable and fixed markers, where the position of the rod indicates the filling level without the need for electrical energy, utilizing a slide connection and return element to translate the rod based on the wire's level, and colored markers to visually signify low or satisfactory levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical or electronic sensors are used to indicate the spool's fill level, then the indication can be provided, but a power source is required which adds complexity and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The indication system is designed to be self-powered through the mechanical motion of the spool itself. The rod is directly coupled to the spool, and as the spool rotates during wire dispensing, the rod automatically moves to indicate the fill level without requiring any external power source or electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical/electronic sensing systems with a purely mechanical indication mechanism. The rod and marker system translates the rotational motion of the spool into a visible indication through mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for sensors, power sources, and electronic circuitry.
2Ease of operation
If the wire level is made directly visible to the operator, then visibility is improved, but the spool cannot be covered by a cowling for safety or aesthetic reasons
Solution Approach 1:
The rod acts as an intermediary element that translates the wire level information into a visible indication without requiring direct line-of-sight to the wire. The marker on the rod provides indirect visualization of the fill level, allowing the spool to be enclosed while maintaining operational visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication system projects the fill level information from the internal spool dimension to an external observable dimension through the rod and marker. This allows the wire level to be indicated in a different spatial dimension (outside the cowling) rather than requiring direct visibility of the wire itself.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a passive indication system is used without electrical energy, then energy consumption is eliminated, but the mechanism becomes more mechanically complex with rods and sliding links
Solution Approach 1:
The rod serves multiple functions simultaneously: it couples to the spool to receive rotational motion, translates that motion into linear displacement, provides a mounting point for the indicator marker, and mechanically links to the sliding element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the indication function with the existing spool rotation mechanism. Rather than adding a separate indication system, the rod is integrated into the spool assembly, utilizing the spool's natural rotational motion to drive the indication mechanism, thereby combining two functions into one unified system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for depositing material in the form of a wire, comprising a wire spool (14) configured to pivot about an axis of rotation (16), and at least one indicator system (36) including a support (38), at least one rod (42) oriented in a direction secant to the axis of rotation (16), a pad (40) connected to the first end of the rod (42, 42') and configured to bear against a wire (28) wound on the wire spool (14), a sliding linkage (44, 44') configured to allow the rod (42, 42') to translate in the secant direction, and a return element (46, 46') configured to translate the rod (42, 42') in the direction of the axis of rotation (16), the rod (42, 42') occupying a position depending on the filling level of the wire spool. (14). This solution makes it possible to obtain a passive type indication system.