Cable Braid Flare Mechanism for Integrated Cable End Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable preparation processes require multiple machines and steps, are time-consuming, and involve complex and expensive equipment for cutting and flaring cable braids, posing safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A single cable preparation machine with integrated pulley and blade assemblies allows for simultaneous cutting and flaring of cable insulators and braids, using interchangeable blades for efficient processing without the need for multiple machines, and includes a frame with a cable holder and chute for streamlined operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate machines are used for cable preparation steps, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable preparation functions (outer insulator stripping, braid removal, inner insulator removal, and flaring) into a single integrated machine. The machine includes a first blade assembly for removing outer insulator, a second blade assembly for removing braid, a third blade assembly for removing inner insulator, and a flaring assembly with movable arms and blades. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate machines and sequential handling, directly resolving the contradiction by maintaining functional optimization while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cable preparation machine performs multiple preparation operations in sequence within a single device. The machine can strip outer insulator, remove braid, strip inner insulator, and flare the cable end all in one continuous operation. This multi-functionality allows the machine to replace several specialized machines while maintaining the specific capabilities needed for each preparation step.
2Ease of manufacture
If a punch and die machine is used to cut cable braid, then cutting can be achieved, but the machine becomes complex and expensive with difficult die loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the die loading step from the cutting process by using a flaring assembly that creates space for the cutting blade without requiring a complex punch and die mechanism. The movable arms with flaring blades pinch the braid inward against the inner insulator to create a flare, which provides access space for the braid removal blade. This eliminates the need for complex die loading operations while maintaining effective braid cutting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a punch and die mechanism where the die is loaded under the braid and the punch closes around it, the patent inverts the approach by using movable arms that pinch the braid inward from the outside to create a flare. This inversion simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for complex die loading while achieving the same cutting function through a different mechanical approach.
3Ease of operation
If manual flaring is performed to create space for die loading, then space can be created, but the process is time-consuming and may injure the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The flaring assembly automatically performs the flaring operation as part of the integrated cable preparation process. The movable arms with flaring blades pinch the braid inward against the inner insulator, and the rotation of the pulley assembly automates the flaring action. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual flaring operations, directly resolving the contradiction by providing easy automated space creation while eliminating time loss and operator injury risks.
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 machine enables rapid, cost-effective, and safe preparation of cable ends by integrating cutting and flaring functions, reducing operational complexity and time, and minimizing manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
The braid blades are driven inward by the arms moving to the advanced positions to pinch the cable braid inward against an inner insulator of the cable and flare outward an end of the cable braid forward of the braid blades
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable preparation machine (100) includes a blade assembly (204) having a plurality of arms (274) and braid blades (212) mounted to the corresponding arms (274). The arms (274) and the braid blades (212) are disposed about a cable opening (174) configured to receive an end (150) of a cable (104) therein along a cable axis (176). The arms (274) are movable relative to each other between retracted positions and advanced positions. The arms (274) move the braid blades (212) closer to each other within the cable opening (174) as the arms (274) are moved from the retracted positions to the advanced positions. The braid blades (212) have edges configured to engage a cable braid (156) of the cable (104). The braid blades (212) are driven inward by the arms (274) moving to the advanced positions to pinch the cable braid (156) inward against an inner insulator (154) of the cable (104) and flare outward an end (157) of the cable braid (156) forward of the braid blades (212).