Peripheral system for automatic cable bundling solution

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a peripheral system for an automated cable lacing solution. A system includes a tool for installing a cable material around a set of elongate members. The tool includes a housing, a cartridge removably connected to the housing, and a jaw removably connected to the housing. The cartridge has a length of cable material. The jaw is configured to extend around the set of elongate members to install the length of cable around the set of elongate members. A welding head is removably connected to the housing. At least one processor is configured to read a programmable chip. The programmable chip stores a set of parameters for at least one of the cartridge, the jaw, or the welding head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to cables. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the automatic adjustment of cable bundling and cable welding parameters. Background Technology

[0002] Automatic cable bundling tools are typically equipped with pre-set operating parameters based on material properties. However, when these conditions change, due to variations in materials, cable geometry, and bundle dimensions, the welding parameters must be adjusted accordingly to protect the cables in use. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some embodiments, the system includes a tool for mounting cable material around a set of elongated members. In some embodiments, the tool includes: a housing; a barrel detachably connected to the housing, the barrel having a segment of cable material; and jaws detachably connected to the housing. In some embodiments, the jaws are configured to extend around the set of elongated members to mount the cable segment around the set of elongated members. In some embodiments, a welding head is detachably connected to the housing. In some embodiments, at least one processor is configured to read a programmable chip. In some embodiments, the programmable chip stores a set of parameters for at least one of the barrel, jaws, or welding head.

[0004] In some embodiments, the programmable chip includes: a first programmable chip fixed to a barrel; a second programmable chip fixed to a jaw; and a third programmable chip fixed to a welding head.

[0005] In some embodiments, the programmable chip includes a first programmable chip embedded in a barrel; a second programmable chip embedded in a jaw; and a third programmable chip embedded in a soldering head.

[0006] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is further configured to program the programmable chip with updated parameters.

[0007] In some embodiments, the set of parameters includes at least one of jaw size, safety code, barrel manufacturer, cable material, cable geometry, bundle size, cable barrel feed length, tension, welding power, welding time, or any combination thereof.

[0008] In some embodiments, the tool automatically adjusts one or more settings based on a set of parameters read from a programmable chip by at least one processor.

[0009] In some embodiments, the programmable chip is encrypted, and at least one processor is also configured to decrypt the programmable chip.

[0010] In some embodiments, the programmable chip is encrypted to prevent users from installing components that are incompatible with the tool.

[0011] In some embodiments, the programmable chip is an EEPROM or an RFID tag.

[0012] In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a first set of parameters from components of a cable bundling tool by a processor of the cable bundling tool. In some embodiments, the method includes modifying one or more settings of the cable bundling tool based on the first set of parameters.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first set of parameters is received in response to at least one of the barrel, jaws, and welding head connected to the housing of the cable bundling tool.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first set of parameters is received from a programmable chip, which is fixed to at least one of a barrel, jaws, or welding head.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method includes storing one or more settings of the modified cable bundling tool in the memory of the cable bundling tool.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first set of parameters is received from a programmable chip, which is fixed to at least one of a barrel, jaws, or welding head; and the process further includes decrypting a security key on the programmable chip using a decryption key stored in the memory of a cable bundling tool.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cable bundling tool includes a housing. In some embodiments, the cable bundling tool includes at least one socket for interchangeably attaching components. In some embodiments, the cable bundling tool includes at least one processor for reading at least one programmable chip on the component.

[0018] In some embodiments, the at least one port further includes a first port configured to receive a barrel having a first programmable chip attached to the barrel; a second port configured to receive a jaw having a second programmable chip attached to the jaw; and a third port configured to receive a soldering head having a third programmable chip attached to the soldering head.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least one processor further includes: a first processor disposed at a first socket; a second processor disposed at a second socket; and a third processor disposed at a third socket.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one programmable chip is encrypted, and at least one processor is configured to decrypt at least one programmable chip to access information stored on at least one programmable chip.

[0021] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to update information stored on the at least one programmable chip based on the use of a component attached to the cable bundling tool.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cable bundling tool includes an indicator light configured to warn the user of at least one of the following: the cable bundling tool requires preventative maintenance, there is an error in the connection to a component, or consumables have been depleted. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Referring to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure, and illustrating embodiments in which the systems and methods described herein can be practiced.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a tool bundling system according to some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method according to some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 3 According to some embodiments Figure 1 A 3D view of cable bundling tools.

[0027] Figure 4 According to some embodiments Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the feed cylinder.

[0028] Figure 5 According to some embodiments Figure 1 A view of the jaws.

[0029] Figure 6 According to some embodiments Figure 1 A 3D view of the welding head.

[0030] The same reference numerals always denote the same or similar parts. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a cable bundling system including a cable bundling tool and components thereof. More specifically, the cable bundling system described in this disclosure includes a hand tool that dispenses continuously compressed cables that are tensioned and bonded around a cable bundle.

[0032] In some embodiments, various components may be attached to the tool. In some embodiments, each component may include an embedded programmable chip that stores information about the specific component. In some embodiments, the tool is equipped with a processor configured to read information from the programmable chip of the various components and automatically calibrate one or more operating parameters of the tool based on the information read from the components. In some embodiments, the ability to automatically obtain these values ​​and automatically adjust the operating characteristics of the tool can, for example, protect the tape being used, protect the wires being bundled, and prevent incompatible components from being introduced into the tool, thereby achieving consistent soldering quality and improving the operator's experience.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cable bundling system 10 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cable bundling system 10 can be used to secure cables around a bundle of elongated members (such as, but not limited to, a bundle of wires, cables, etc.).

[0034] In some embodiments, the cable bundling system 10 includes a cable bundling tool 15. In some embodiments, the cable bundling tool 15 may include a spool 20 containing a roll of material, jaws 25 for dispensing material around the bundle, and a welding head 30 for welding the material together around the bundle. In some embodiments, the spool 20 is configured to include a section of cable material for securing the bundle around an elongated member. In some embodiments, the jaws 25 include a pair of arcuate jaws configured to extend around the set of elongated members joined together. The jaws 25 are configured to provide cable material such that the cable material surrounds the joined elongated members. The welding head 30 is configured to weld a portion of the cable material together to secure the cable material around the joined elongated members.

[0035] The cable bundling tool 15 includes a housing 35 with multiple sockets, including at least a first socket 40 (e.g., for removably receiving the hopper 20), a second socket 45 (e.g., for removably receiving the jaws 25), and a third socket 50 (e.g., for removably receiving the welding head 30). It should be understood that the number of sockets can be greater than three. The number of sockets depends on the number of removable parts of the cable bundling tool 15.

[0036] In some embodiments, housing 35 includes processor 55, memory 57, and communication module 60. In some embodiments, communication module 60 includes transmit-receive circuitry and an antenna. Communication module 60 is configured to communicate with and interpret signals from programmable chip 65, programmable chip 70, and programmable chip 80. Programmable chip 65 may be mounted on barrel 20. Programmable chip 70 may be mounted on jaw 25. Programmable chip 75 may be mounted on solder head 30. In some embodiments, one or more of barrel 20, jaw 25, or solder head 30 may not include a programmable chip.

[0037] In some embodiments, programmable chip 65, programmable chip 70 and programmable chip 75 may each include antenna 80, controller 85 and memory 90.

[0038] In some embodiments, the antenna 80 of a programmable chip 65, programmable chip 70, or a corresponding programmable chip 75 can communicate with the communication module 60 of the cable bundling tool 15. In such embodiments, communication may include providing the cable bundling tool 15 with a set of parameters stored in memory 90. In some embodiments, programmable chips 65, 70, 75, or any combination thereof may be encrypted. In such embodiments, the processor 55 may use a decryption key to decrypt information contained in programmable chips 65, 70, 75, or any combination thereof.

[0039] In some embodiments, memory 90 may store one or more parameters related to the use of cable bundling tool 15. In some embodiments, this set of parameters may include, but is not limited to, jaw size, safety code, cable material, barrel manufacturer, cable cross-section, cable geometry, cable force rating, bundle size, optimal jaw size, welding parameters including feed length, tension, welding power and welding time, similar characteristics or any combination thereof.

[0040] In some embodiments, programmable chip 65, programmable chip 70, or programmable chip 75 is an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), radio frequency identification (RFID), or other suitable chip that stores parameters related to material and strip geometry or parameters of bonding methods (e.g., welding parameters), so that it can be automatically identified without user input when the barrel 20, jaws 25, or welding head 30 is connected to the cable bundling tool 15. In some embodiments, programmable chip 65, programmable chip 70, and programmable chip 75 can communicate with processor 55 via, for example, a near field communication (NFC) protocol.

[0041] In some embodiments, the memory 90 of one or more of programmable chips 65, 70, or 75 may also be writable. For example, the cable bundling tool 15 may be able to provide feedback on tool usage to the storable memory 90. In some embodiments, this may include tracking the consumption of material in the hopper 20. For example, the memory 90 may be updated with information about how much material remains in the hopper 20. When the material is nearly depleted, a signal may alert the user to replace the hopper 20. In some embodiments, preventative maintenance of the cable bundling tool 15 may be recommended based on the use and lifespan of the consumable.

[0042] In some embodiments, the cable bundling tool 15 is configured to automatically adjust its operating parameters based on the components attached to it. For example, when the jaws 25 are replaced (or installed first), the cable bundling tool 15 can authenticate the jaws 25 if a security code is present. In some embodiments, if the security code is not authenticated, the cable bundling tool 15 can be disabled. In some embodiments, if the security code is authenticated, the processor 55 can read the memory 90 of the associated component and determine, for example, the jaw size, and automatically adjust, for example, the feed length of the material used for welding, based on the determined parameters. In some embodiments, if the cable bundling tool 15 cannot communicate with a component, it can interpret this as a faulty or incompatible component and can be disabled until the correct communication component is connected.

[0043] In some embodiments, the welding head 30 can be used to identify a given cable material mounted on the cable bundling tool 15 and the ultrasonic welding parameters of that cable material. Therefore, the cable bundling tool 15 can adjust its welding parameters based on the ultrasonic welding parameters of the given cable material. For example, the ultrasonic welding parameters of a given cable material can be unique to and inherent to that material (e.g., the energy consumption of an HDPE cable is 5 joules (J), lower than that of POM or PA66, which consumes approximately 15 J). Therefore, the ultrasonic welding parameters of the welding head and / or any component of the weld bead can have unique electrical characteristics, such as resonant frequency, impedance, and amplitude.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cable bundling tool 15 includes a display 95, at least one button 100, and at least one indicator 105. In some embodiments, the display 95 may include a touchscreen display, in which case the at least one button 100 may be integrated with the display 95 rather than being separate from it. In some embodiments, the at least one indicator 105 may include a visual indicator (e.g., an indicator light such as a light-emitting diode (LED), an auditory indicator (e.g., a speaker), or a tactile indicator (e.g., a vibration device). In some embodiments, the processor 55 executes a program stored in memory to operate the cable bundling tool 15 to bundle cables.

[0045] In some embodiments, the display 95 may show various features of the cable bundling tool 15, including but not limited to, the type and characteristics of the parts attached to the cable bundling tool 15, the cycle count of a particular attached part, such as the circumference of the jaws 25, the length of material remaining on the hopper 20, the impedance of the solder head 30 when bonding material around a set of cables, and the impedance when the solder head 30 detects material, and other features. It should be understood that the data types displayed on the display 95 are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, in some embodiments, the display 95 is not present.

[0046] In some embodiments, at least one indicator 105 may provide a user with an indication of a component being attached to the tool. In some embodiments, at least one indicator 105 may indicate an alarm status to the user. For example, at least one indicator 105 may indicate to the user the status of the cable bundling tool 15, including but not limited to, overdue preventative maintenance, depleted materials, errors in connection with the attached component, or errors in the programmable chip of the component read by the processor 55.

[0047] Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, any tangible medium capable of storing a computer program for use by a programmable processing device to perform the functions described herein by manipulating input data and generating output. A computer program is a set of instructions that can be used directly or indirectly in a computer system to perform a particular function or determine a particular result. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: floppy disks; hard disks; random access memory (RAM); read-only memory (ROM); semiconductor storage devices, such as, but not limited to, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, etc.; portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); optical storage devices; magnetic storage devices; other similar devices; or suitable combinations thereof.

[0048] In some embodiments, the processor 55 and memory 57 may communicate electronically with the cable bundling tool 15, but are physically separate from it. For example, the cable bundling tool 15 may be connected to a control system 110, and the processor 55 and memory 57 may be part of the control system 110. In some embodiments, the control system 110 may be wired to the cable bundling tool 15 and may provide power to the cable bundling tool 15.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of method 150 according to some embodiments. Method 150 can generally be used to control cable bundling tools (e.g., Figure 1 One or more parameters of the cable bundling tool 15).

[0050] At box 155, method 150 includes a processor (e.g., on the cable bundling tool 15) Figure 1 The processor 55 receives a first set of parameters. In some embodiments, the first set of parameters can be received from the processor 55 via communication with at least one of the programmable chip 65, programmable chip 70, or programmable chip 75. In some embodiments, the processor 55 may be on the cable bundling tool 15 or part of a control system communicatively connected to the cable bundling tool 15. In some embodiments, at block 155, the processor 55 may receive multiple sets of parameters. In some embodiments, the multiple sets of parameters depend on the number of components connected to the cable bundling tool 15. For example, in some embodiments, a first set of parameters may be received from programmable chip 65, a second set of parameters may be received from programmable chip 70, and a third set of parameters may be received from programmable chip 70. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the number of parameters received may be less than the number of components installed.

[0051] At box 160, method 150 includes modifying one or more settings of cable bundling tool 15 based on a first set of parameters.

[0052] Optionally, at block 165, method 150 includes displaying one or more settings of the cable bundling tool 15 modified based on a first set of parameters. In such embodiments, the display may be on the cable bundling tool 15 itself (when the display is present on the cable bundling tool 15) or on a peripheral display connected to the control system.

[0053] Optionally, at box 170, method 150 includes bundling a set of elongated members (e.g., wires, etc.) together with cable material from a hopper, and using one or more settings of a cable bundling tool 15 modified based on a first set of parameters.

[0054] Figure 3 According to some embodiments Figure 1A perspective view of a cable bundling tool 15. The cable bundling tool 15 includes a barrel 20 mounted in the illustrated embodiment. The cable bundling tool 15 includes a housing 35. The housing 35 includes a first end 200 and a second end 205. In some embodiments, the first end 200 may be referred to as a handle end and the second end 205 may be referred to as an end end or workpiece end. A first socket 40 is disposed at the first end 200, and a second socket 45 and a third socket 50 are disposed at the second end 205. Figure 3 The jaws 25 and welding head 30 are not shown. The cable bundling tool 15 includes a trigger 215 for triggering the welding of cable material around a bundle of cable material (e.g., wires, cables, etc.) surrounding an elongated member. Further functions of the cable bundling tool 15 have already been described previously. Figure 1 The description has been provided, and for the sake of simplicity, it will not be repeated here.

[0055] Figure 4 According to some embodiments Figure 1 A perspective view of the feed cylinder 20. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the feed cylinder 20 includes a programmable chip 65 attached thereto. In some embodiments, the programmable chip 65 may be disposed in different locations. For example, in some embodiments, the programmable chip 65 may be on the inner surface of the feed cylinder 20, etc. It should also be understood that the appearance of the programmable chip 65 is exemplary and not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, attaching the programmable chip 65 to the feed cylinder 20 may include embedding the programmable chip 65 within the feed cylinder 20 to reduce the possibility that the programmable chip 65 may be removed, replaced, or tampered with. In some embodiments, the programmable chip 65 may not be visible to the user (e.g., it may be covered with one or more layers of material).

[0056] Figure 5 According to some embodiments Figure 1 A view of the connector of jaw 25. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, jaw 25 includes a programmable chip 70 attached thereto. In some embodiments, the programmable chip 70 may be disposed in different locations. For example, in some embodiments, the programmable chip 70 may be on different surfaces such as jaw 25. It should also be understood that the appearance of the programmable chip 70 is exemplary and not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, attaching the programmable chip 70 to jaw 25 may include embedding the programmable chip 70 within jaw 25 to reduce the likelihood that the programmable chip 70 may be removed, replaced, or tampered with. In some embodiments, the programmable chip 70 may not be visible to the user (e.g., it may be covered by one or more layers of material).

[0057] Figure 6 According to some embodiments Figure 1A perspective view of the solder head 30. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the solder head 30 includes a programmable chip 75 attached thereto. In some embodiments, the programmable chip 75 may be disposed in different locations. For example, in some embodiments, the programmable chip 75 may be on different surfaces such as the jaws 25. It should also be understood that the appearance of the programmable chip 75 is exemplary and not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, attaching the programmable chip 75 to the solder head 30 may include embedding the programmable chip 75 within the solder head 30 to reduce the likelihood that the programmable chip 75 may be removed, replaced, or tampered with. In some embodiments, the user may not be able to see the programmable chip 75 (e.g., it may be covered with one or more layers of material).

[0058] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and not to be limiting. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also include the plural forms. When used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of this feature, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0059] It should be understood that changes may be made in details (particularly in terms of the materials used and the shape, size, and arrangement of components) without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This specification and the described embodiments are exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system comprising: Tools for mounting cable material around a set of elongated members, said tools comprising: case; A barrel, detachably connected to the housing, the barrel having a section of cable material; Jaws, detachably connected to the housing, wherein the jaws are configured to extend around the set of elongated members to mount the cable segment around the set of elongated members; The welding head is detachably connected to the housing; and At least one processor located within the housing, the at least one processor being configured to read a programmable chip, Wherein, at least one of the material barrel, the jaws, or the welding head includes the programmable chip mounted thereon. The programmable chip stores a set of parameters corresponding to at least one of the following: the barrel, the jaws, or the welding head. The at least one processor automatically adjusts one or more settings of the tool according to the set of parameters read from the programmable chip, wherein the set of parameters includes at least one of the following: jaw size, safety code, barrel manufacturer, cable material, cable geometry, bundle size, cable barrel feed length, tension, welding power, welding time, or any combination thereof.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the programmable chip comprises: A first programmable chip is fixed to the barrel; A second programmable chip is fixed to the jaws; as well as A third programmable chip is fixed to the solder head.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the programmable chip comprises: A first programmable chip is embedded in the barrel; A second programmable chip is embedded in the jaws; as well as A third programmable chip is embedded in the welding head.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the tool further comprises: At least one communication module, The at least one processor is also configured to program the programmable chip using updated parameters. The programmable chip includes an antenna, a controller, and a memory. The antenna of the programmable chip is configured to communicate with the communication module, and The memory of the programmable chip is configured to store the set of parameters.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the programmable chip is encrypted, and the at least one processor is further configured to decrypt the programmable chip.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein encryption prevents the user from installing components incompatible with the tool.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the programmable chip is an EEPROM or an RFID chip.

8. A method implemented by the system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: A processor located within the housing of the cable bundling tool receives a first set of parameters from a programmable chip in at least one component of the cable bundling tool, wherein the first set of parameters is received from the programmable chip fixed to at least one of a barrel, jaws, or a welding head, which is connected to the housing of the cable bundling tool; and Modify one or more settings of the cable bundling tool based on the first set of parameters.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the programmable chip includes an antenna, a controller, and a memory, wherein the antenna of the programmable chip is configured to communicate with a communication module located in the housing. The method further includes storing one or more settings of the modified cable bundling tool in the memory of the cable bundling tool.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the first set of parameters is received from a programmable chip, the programmable chip being fixed to at least one of: a barrel, a jaw, or a welding head; and further comprising using the processor to decrypt a security key on the programmable chip using a decryption key stored in the memory of the cable bundling tool.

11. A cable bundling tool, comprising: A housing, the housing including at least one processor, the at least one processor being used to read a programmable chip on another component; At least one socket for interchangeably attaching the other component, the other component including at least one of a barrel, jaws, or a welding head; Wherein, at least one of the material barrel, the jaws, or the welding head includes the programmable chip, the programmable chip storing a set of parameters for at least one of the material barrel, the jaws, or the welding head. The at least one processor automatically adjusts one or more settings of the tool according to the set of parameters read from the programmable chip, wherein the set of parameters includes at least one of the following: jaw size, safety code, barrel manufacturer, cable material, cable geometry, bundle size, cable barrel feed length, tension, welding power, welding time, or any combination thereof.

12. The cable bundling tool according to claim 11, wherein the at least one socket further comprises: A first inlet is configured to receive a barrel having a first programmable chip fixed to the barrel; The second socket is configured to receive a jaw, the jaw having a second programmable chip fixed to the jaw; as well as The third connector is configured to receive a solder head having a third programmable chip attached to it.

13. The cable bundling tool of claim 12, wherein the at least one processor further comprises: The first processor is located at the first socket; The second processor is located at the second socket. as well as The third processor is located at the third socket.

14. The cable bundling tool of claim 12, wherein the at least one programmable chip is encrypted, and the at least one processor is configured to decrypt the at least one programmable chip to access information stored on the at least one programmable chip.

15. The cable bundling tool according to claim 12, further comprising: At least one communication module, The programmable chip includes an antenna, a controller, and a memory. The programmable chip's antenna is configured to communicate with the communication module, and the memory is configured to store the set of parameters. The at least one processor is configured to update information stored in the memory of the at least one programmable chip based on the use of a component attached to the cable bundling tool.

16. The cable bundling tool of claim 12, further comprising an indicator light configured to: warn the user that the cable bundling tool requires preventative maintenance, that there is an error in the connection with the component, or that consumables are depleted.

Images