Exploratory design and development of a constant tension spooling device is proposed. Such equipment provides smooth transfer of wire rope and electro-mechanical cables from shipping spools onto the ship as well as aiding in distributing constructional stretch throughout the whole cable length. The spooling device must be simple, compact, light crane portable, and self powered. The objectives of the phase I exploratory effort are: (I) to demonstrate feasibility of such equipment, and after feasibility is established, ( ii) to determine an optimum design of a constant tension spooling device. Design and trade-off studies will be emphasized to achieve the objectives. A set of performance specifications reflecting the requirements of the us navy will first be determined. Then, using these specifications, the proposed design and trade-off studies will consider and optimize the mechanical configuration of the reeling system, its power drives, and its motion and operating control systems. Very simple as well as sophisticated options will be considered. Besides simple approaches, these options include microprocessor base "smart" motion and operating control systems together with electric, hydraulic or pneumatic drives, either separately or in combinations. Finally, a preliminary design of the constant tension spooling device will be presented.
