Armored Cable Stripping Tool With Dual-Blade Armor Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for stripping armored cables often struggle to cut the metal sheathing without damaging the conductors inside, and they can be difficult to use safely due to the slipping of the cable relative to the cutting tool.

Innovation Solution

A hand tool with a saw assembly that includes first and second saw blades, driven by a mechanism such as gears or a crank arm, is designed to cut the armor sheathing of a cable in two places simultaneously, while a cable receiving handle and clamping mechanism secure the cable to prevent slipping and damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single cutting element is used to cut armored cable, then the tool can cut the armor, but the cable may slip relative to the cutting tool causing injury or damage to conductors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of operationVSAvoiddifficulty of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting function is segmented into two separate cutting elements positioned at different locations. The first cutting element cuts the armor at a first location while the second cutting element cuts the armor at a second location simultaneously or sequentially, preventing cable slip and improving safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool transitions from a single-point cutting approach to a multi-point cutting approach by adding spatial dimension with two cutting elements positioned at different locations along the cable, thereby constraining the cable more effectively and preventing slip

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the cutting element penetrates deeply to cut through tough metallic sheathing, then the armor can be cut, but the conductors inside may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting capabilityVSAvoiddamage to conductors

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting action is segmented into multiple shallow cuts by two cutting elements rather than one deep cut. Each cutting element is positioned to cut the armor at a limited depth, and the combination of two cutting elements achieves complete armor penetration without excessive force that could damage conductors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using excessive penetration depth with a single cutting element, the tool uses partial action with two cutting elements at limited depths. The first cutting element cuts at a first depth and the second cutting element cuts at a second depth, collectively achieving full armor cut while preventing conductor damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 tool effectively cuts the armor sheathing of armored cables without damaging the conductors inside, and its design ensures safe operation by preventing the cable from slipping during cutting.

Implementation Method 1

a saw assembly configured to cut the armor of a cable in first and second places

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

cutting the metal sheathing without damage to the conductors therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFracture Mechanics: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentUS12294204B2Armored cable stripping tool for cutting the armor in two places

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 SOUTHWIRE CO LLC

AI summary

A stripping tool for cutting the armor sheathing of a cable. The stripping tool includes a cable receiving handle and a saw handle movably mounted to the cable receiving handle. A saw assembly, including at least one saw blade, is supported by the saw handle and moveable relative to the cable receiving handle. The saw assembly configured to simultaneously cut the armor sheathing of the cable in two places.