Armored Cable Sheath Marking With Angled Inkjet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The irregular exterior surface of armored electrical cables poses a challenge for effectively marking necessary information such as wire size, voltage rating, and other specifications, making it difficult to apply indicia consistently and legibly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of ink jet print heads positioned at specific angles relative to the cable's longitudinal axis, applying ink to the sheath with defined crowns and valleys, and utilizing background and informative sections with contrasting colors to ensure clear and readable markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional marking methods are used on armored cable, then the process is simple, but the irregular exterior surface makes it difficult to apply indicia consistently and legibly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotating marking applicator that dynamically adapts to the cable's irregular surface. The applicator rotates in sync with the cable movement, maintaining continuous contact while accommodating surface variations through rotational motion, thereby achieving consistent marking on irregular surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a compliant marking medium or applicator interface that acts as an intermediary between the marking device and the irregular cable surface. This intermediary element deforms to conform to surface variations, ensuring uniform ink transfer and legible markings despite surface irregularities
2Ease of manufacture
If the outlet of the ink jet print head is positioned at 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis, then the printing is simplified, but the irregular surface may affect marking quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the print head outlet angle parameter, positioning it between 45 and 135 degrees relative to the cable's longitudinal axis. This angular parameter adjustment allows the ink to be deposited at an optimal angle that accommodates the irregular surface geometry while maintaining marking quality and readability
3Loss of information
If marking information is placed at close intervals, then all cable specifications are clearly indicated, but the amount of ink and material used increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable surface into distinct marking zones, placing indicia only in the crown regions between valleys. This segmentation strategy ensures that information is distributed at appropriate intervals for readability while avoiding redundant marking in valley areas, thereby reducing overall ink consumption while maintaining information completeness
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 method enables consistent and legible printing of alphanumeric characters and symbols on the armored cable, providing essential information at predefined intervals, enhancing readability and durability of the markings.
Implementation Method 1
An outlet of at least one ink jet print head may be positioned adjacent the sheath at an angle of 60 degrees to 120 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The at least one ink jet print head may be used to print marking indicia on the sheath
Data Source
AI summary
A method according to the teachings of the present disclosure may include disposing a sheath around a conductor assembly, with an outer surface of the sheath defining spaced apart crowns and valleys. An outlet of at least one ink jet print head may be positioned adjacent the sheath at an angle of 60 degrees to 120 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sheath. The method may also include using at least one ink jet print head to print marking indicia on the sheath, the marking indicia indicating at least characteristic of the electrical cable assembly.