Adjustable Gripper Jaws for Thin Cable Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable processing devices face challenges in handling thin and flexible cables with diameters less than 1 mm, as the gripper mechanism often disrupts cable flow and requires multiple nozzle tubes with different diameters, leading to inefficiencies and increased effort for precise feeding.
Innovation Solution
The gripper jaws are designed to be permanently adjustable in both positions, allowing for secure gripping and precise feeding of cables of varying diameters without the need for multiple nozzle tubes, using a motor-driven piston/cylinder unit with adjustable stops for optimal positioning, enabling continuous adjustment and minimizing operational vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed gripper jaw position is used, then the structure is simple, but cables of different diameters cannot be gripped securely and fed precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper jaw position is made dynamically adjustable through a motor-driven mechanism that can shift the jaw between different positions. This allows the same gripper structure to adapt to various cable diameters by changing its configuration, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure simplicity and adaptability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter of the gripper jaw to accommodate different cable diameters. By adjusting the jaw position along the cable axis, the system can securely grip and precisely feed cables of varying sizes without requiring multiple fixed gripper configurations.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple nozzle tubes with different diameters are used, then cables of different diameters can be guided precisely, but the device complexity and effort for tube exchange increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single nozzle tube structure is designed to perform multiple functions by being adjustable in position and/or diameter. This universal component can guide cables of different diameters precisely, eliminating the need for multiple specialized nozzle tubes and reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle tube is made dynamically adjustable to change its effective diameter or position based on the cable being processed. This dynamic adaptation allows one nozzle tube to replace multiple fixed-diameter tubes, reducing the number of components needed while maintaining precise cable guidance.
3Productivity
If the gripper jaw position is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the cable flow is disrupted and the cable cannot be fed precisely to processing stations
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper jaw position is made dynamically adjustable through a motor-driven mechanism that can shift the jaw between different positions. This allows the same gripper structure to adapt to various cable diameters by changing its configuration, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure simplicity and adaptability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter of the gripper jaw to accommodate different cable diameters. By adjusting the jaw position along the cable axis, the system can securely grip and precisely feed cables of varying sizes without requiring multiple fixed gripper configurations.
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
This solution allows for efficient and precise feeding of cables of different diameters, reducing the risk of damage and operational effort, while enabling faster and more accurate processing of thin and flexible cables, even those twisted or pulled from drums, with reduced inertial mass for improved swivel arm performance.
Implementation Method 1
the gripper jaws can be brought into the first and second positions by a motor drive
Implementation Method 2
Settings of the hub of e.g. B. pneumatic cylinders are known in principle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The cable processing unit has an operating station for manufacturing a cable (15). A work loader is provided which supplies the cable to the operating station. The work loader is formed with a gripper jaw (4) by a gripper. The gripper jaw is brought in a position in which the gripper jaw fits at the cable in a non-relocatable manner. The gripper jaw is again brought in another position in which the cable is so guided that it does not fall out. The latter position of the gripper jaw is firmly adjustable on different values.