Annular Cable Sleeve Conveyor for Compact Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for applying cable grommets to cables are either voluminous, noisy, and energy-inefficient, requiring significant space and energy for operation.
Innovation Solution
A compact, quiet, and energy-efficient device using an endless annular conveyor with rollers arranged inside the ring, where the conveyor is guided, and a receiving mechanism on the inside of the ring, reducing frictional forces and allowing for efficient transmission of driving forces, potentially using driven rollers or spiked rollers for better fit and reduced contact pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drum conveyor is used to convey cable grommets, then the grommets can be conveyed reliably, but the device requires a relatively large floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is arranged in an annular path around the hopper, with the belt nesting into the vertical space above and beside the hopper. The conveyor follows a compact circular trajectory that utilizes the vertical dimension and the space around the hopper, rather than extending horizontally. This nesting approach allows the conveyor to fit within a small footprint while still providing reliable grommet conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system transitions from a horizontal linear path to a vertical annular path around the hopper. By utilizing the vertical dimension and arranging the conveyor belt in a circular pattern around the hopper body, the system achieves reliable conveyance within a compact floor space, effectively moving the conveyor operation into a different spatial dimension.
2Productivity
If a suction blow conveyor is used to separate and convey cable grommets, then the grommets can be conveyed, but the device produces relatively high noise levels and consumes a comparatively large amount of energy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the pneumatic suction-blow mechanism with a simple mechanical conveyor belt system. The belt is driven by a motor that directly contacts the belt through friction or a drive roller, eliminating the need for high-power suction fans and blow mechanisms. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective grommet separation and conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the noisy and energy-intensive suction-blow mechanism from the conveyor system. By removing this component entirely and replacing it with a simple mechanically-driven belt, the system achieves the same productivity function with minimal energy consumption and noise generation.
3Productivity
If a suction blow conveyor is used to convey cable grommets, then the grommets can be conveyed, but the device produces relatively high noise levels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the noisy pneumatic suction-blow system with a quiet mechanical conveyor belt. The belt is driven by a motor that directly propels it along the annular path, eliminating the high-decibel suction fans and blow mechanisms. This mechanical substitution maintains full productivity while reducing noise levels to minimal operational sounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the noise-generating suction-blow mechanism from the system. By eliminating these high-noise components and replacing them with a simple mechanically-driven belt system, the device achieves effective grommet conveyance with minimal noise pollution.
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
The solution results in a device that is more compact, quieter, and consumes less energy, with reduced risk of damage and operator injury, while maintaining high frictional forces for efficient conveying of cable grommets to the assembly point.
Implementation Method 1
A frictional force during movement of the conveying means can thus advantageously be kept low. At least one of the rollers is driven and designed as a friction roller or as a friction wheel.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention specifies an apparatus (1a, 1b) for fitting cable sleeves (2) onto a cable, said apparatus comprising a scrap container (3) for accommodating a large number of loose cable sleeves (2), a conveying device for separating the cable sleeves (2) located in the scrap container and for conveying the separated cable sleeves (2) to a fitting location and a fitting device (8) for fitting the conveyed cable sleeves (2) onto the cable. The conveying device comprises a continuous, annular conveying means (4, 4a, 4b) which protrudes into the scrap container (3), and accommodating means (6) for accommodating the cable sleeves (2). The accommodating means (6) are arranged on the conveying means (4, 4a, 4b) on the inside of said ring.