Shielded Cable Braid Opening With Controlled Radial Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing the end portion of shielded electrical cables, such as coaxial cables, often result in nonuniform opening of the shielding braid, risking damage to the braid and central conductor, and lack reliability and repeatability due to manual or complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a contact element and logic control unit that adjusts the distance and movement path to apply controlled pressure for uniform deformation of the shielding braid, using linear actuators and a Cartesian movement system to ensure precise and repeatable opening without damaging the cable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If punches are used to apply pressure on the shielding braid to open it, then the braid can be deformed to diverge from the dielectric, but the opening becomes nonuniform and the risk of damaging the braid and shielding sheet increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the contact element along a complex three-dimensional path, the patent inverts the approach by rotating the cable itself around the longitudinal axis while the contact element applies pressure radially inward. This inversion simplifies the movement mechanism and ensures uniform opening of the braid by distributing pressure evenly around the circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual or mechanical positioning systems with an automated rotation mechanism controlled by a logic control unit. The rotation system, combined with a simple radial pressure application, substitutes for the complicated three-dimensional path following mechanism, improving both uniformity and reliability.
2Reliability
If the core is moved with respect to the rest of the cable during braid opening, then the risk of damaging the braid is reduced, but the risk of damaging the core increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the core (which risks damaging it), the patent inverts the approach by rotating the entire cable assembly around the longitudinal axis while applying radial pressure. This keeps the core stationary and protected while still achieving uniform braid opening through the rotational motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual or complex mechanisms are used for braid opening, then flexibility is maintained, but reliability and repeatability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with an automated system controlled by a logic control unit. The control unit receives signals and automatically controls the rotation speed and pressure application, ensuring high repeatability and reliability while maintaining adaptability through programmable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the logic control unit receives signals about the opening process status and adjusts the rotation speed and pressure accordingly. This feedback loop ensures consistent, repeatable results while allowing adaptation to different cable types and conditions.
4Manufacturing precision
If greater pressure is applied or pressure is applied multiple times to prevent braid contact with dielectric, then the braid opening is more complete, but the risk of damaging the braid and shielding sheet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic rotation of the cable around the longitudinal axis, allowing the contact element to apply pressure continuously and uniformly throughout the rotation cycle. This periodic action achieves complete braid opening without requiring excessive pressure or multiple applications, as the distributed pressure over the rotation period gradually opens the braid evenly while preventing damage.
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 achieves a uniform and reliable opening of the shielding braid, reducing the risk of damage to the braid and central conductor, and adapts to different cable sizes with high processing speed and precision.
Implementation Method 1
apply a pressure adapted to deform the braid
Implementation Method 2
deform the braid by bending it so that to make it assume a shape diverging towards the free end
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An apparatus and process for preparing an end portion (la) of a shielded electrical cable (1) are described, and wherein the outer surface of said end portion (la) has a shielding braid (4) arranged around at least one layer of electrically insulating material (3) sheathing at least one conductor (2) of said shielded electrical cable (1), said apparatus (10) comprising at least one contact element (8) provided with a contact surface (8a) adapted to engage the outer surface of said end portion (la) of the cable (1) to apply a pressure adapted to deform said shielding braid (4), movement means (9) to move said contact element (8) with respect to said cable (1), and a logic control unit (20) in which at least one movement path around the longitudinal axis (A-A) of said cable (1) is stored or acquired, said logic control unit (20) being configured to control said movement means (9) depending on said at least one path to move said contact element (8) along said path and to adjust the distance (D) between the longitudinal axis (A-A) of said shielded electrical cable (1) and said contact surface (8a) of said contact element (8).