Wire Spool Stand with Integrated Jack and Bearing Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stands for supporting large spools of electrical wire are cumbersome, requiring significant force to lift and secure, posing safety risks due to instability and the risk of the axle falling off during installation.
Innovation Solution
A combination stand and jack system with an integrated lifting mechanism, adjustable legs, and a clamp with bearings to securely hold and rotate the axle, allowing for easy lifting and stabilization of spools of varying sizes, and collapsibility for storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an integrated lifting mechanism is added to the stand, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is integrated directly into the stand structure, combining the support function and lifting function into a single unified device. The jack mechanism is built into the stand legs, eliminating the need for separate lifting equipment and reducing overall system complexity despite adding lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand performs its own lifting operation through the integrated jack mechanism, eliminating the need for external lifting equipment or multiple persons to manually lift the spool. The device serves itself by incorporating the lifting function within its own structure.
2Reliability
If a clamp with bearings is used to hold the axle, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Bearings are introduced as intermediary elements between the clamp and the axle, facilitating smooth rotation while maintaining secure holding. The bearings mediate the interaction between the stationary clamp and the rotating axle, reducing friction and preventing direct metal-to-metal contact that could cause seizing or failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism transitions from a static holding structure to a dynamic system that accommodates rotational motion. The bearings enable the axle to rotate freely within the clamp while the clamp itself remains stationary, creating a dynamic interface that maintains reliability during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable legs are incorporated to accommodate different spool sizes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stand legs are made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the stand to adapt to different spool sizes and configurations. The legs can be extended or repositioned to accommodate various diameters and weights, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adaptable support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable legs enable the stand to serve multiple functions and accommodate a wide range of spool sizes with a single device. Instead of requiring different stands for different spool dimensions, one universal stand with adjustable legs can handle various applications, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
4Ease of operation
If the stand is made collapsible for storage, then the ease of operation improves, but the strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into collapsible segments or sections that can be folded or disassembled for storage. The legs or support structures are designed with joints or connection points that allow them to be broken down into smaller, more compact components without permanently compromising the overall structural integrity when assembled.
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 a single person to lift spools weighing up to 2000 pounds with minimal effort, ensuring safety and stability during installation, while accommodating different spool sizes and facilitating easy storage and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a stand which incorporates a lifting mechanism which allows a person to lift a spool of wire off of the ground with minimal effort
Implementation Method 2
The stand may use a clamp that holds the axle, and may use bearings on the clamp to allow for easy rotation of the axle
Data Source
AI summary
A stand used for supporting spools of wire and the like includes a cam which is operable to increase the length of a leg to thereby raise the spool of wire off of the ground. The stand is adjustable to allow its use with different sizes of spools of wire. The stand allows a single person to raise a spool of wire weighing thousands of pounds off of the ground and support the same to allow the spool to rotate freely upon an axle.