Cable Processing Alignment Control for Precise Tool and Stop Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable processing devices are prone to operator errors, leading to significant rejects of cable end and intermediate products due to incorrect operation.

Innovation Solution

A cable processing device with individually and automatically adjustable vertical positioning of tool assemblies and cable stops, controlled by a computer-implemented system, ensuring precise alignment and operation without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual positioning of tool assemblies and cable stops is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to operator errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic positioning of tool assemblies and cable stops without requiring manual operator intervention. The control device autonomously determines positions based on cable parameters and executes positioning commands, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating human error while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical positioning is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors, processing units, and actuation mechanisms. The control device processes cable parameters and automatically positions components, substituting human-operated mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If automatic positioning systems are implemented, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device serves multiple functions: it determines cable parameters, calculates optimal positions for tool assemblies and cable stops, generates positioning commands, and coordinates their execution. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to detect cable parameters and positions, feeds this information to the control device, which then adjusts positioning commands accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures precise positioning while allowing the system to adapt to variations in cable characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If individual vertical adjustment of tool assemblies and cable stops is implemented, then manufacturing precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased adjustment parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the optimal vertical positions of tool assemblies and cable stops based on cable parameters, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust multiple parameters. The control device performs this complex coordination task autonomously, making operation simple despite the sophistication of the positioning system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If manual processing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to operator errors and rework

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated positioning system enables continuous processing without interruptions for manual adjustment or correction of errors. The control device continuously monitors cable parameters and maintains optimal positioning throughout the processing operation, ensuring uninterrupted production flow and eliminating rework cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3930118B1Cable processing apparatus for processing a cable, computer-implemented method, computer program product and computer readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SCHLEUNIGER AG
  • EP3930118B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3930118B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3930118B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a cable processing device (20) for processing a cable (10), comprising a first positioning device (30) with a first positioning drive (35) for vertically positioning a tool assembly (22) relative to the cable conveying direction (F) of a cable conveying device (100) and a control device (50) which is connected to the first positioning drive (35) for exchanging first control data. Furthermore, a second positioning device (40) with a second positioning drive (45) is provided for at least vertically positioning a first cable stop (25) relative to the cable conveying direction (F) of the cable conveying device (100), wherein the second positioning drive (45) is connected to the control device (50) for exchanging second control data. The invention further relates to computer-implemented methods, a computer program product, and a computer-readable storage medium.