Spooling device

The spooling device is a small but essential part of the overall, high-pressure umbilical reel project. Challenge was to design a simple mechanical device that would provide the automatic reverse function for the spooling device.

​​Problem:

​​The spooling device, driven by the shaft, is efficient in this application but lacks an auto-reverse function when the end of the shaft is reached. It would be an easy solution if the shaft were rotating in one direction only, but due to the complexity of the product, the spooling device should have a two-way rotating shaft. The reverse switch is mounted on the spooling device. The directional switch has the possibility to approach the end of the shaft in two different positions, making it very difficult to change direction by a simple mechanical device. In fact, manufacturers of spooling devices, after their research and investigation, have confirmed that there is no chance to have such a simple mechanical mechanism. According to them, the only way to do it is by using hydraulically operated cross-connected cylinders.

​​Solution:

​​I just refused to accept the fact that such a simple function will require such a difficult solution. Our engineering department spent quite a lot of time investigating the device. Some of them even agreed with the supplier such a device does not exist. One evening, I was walking home, when suddenly the idea came into my mind: a simple, yet very functional mechanical spooling device with an auto-reverse mechanism. And most importantly - it works!