Automated Cable Bundle Binder With Adjustable Knot Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The aeronautical sector relies on a completely manual and labor-intensive 'bundle binding' process for cable assemblies, which results in heterogeneous quality and execution times, risks of operator injury, and lacks standardized pressure, leading to suboptimal cable bundle maintenance and installation.

Innovation Solution

An automated module with an electronic management system that forms and tightens clove hitch and safety knots using motorized rollers and presence sensors, allowing for adjustable knot pressure and standardized execution, adaptable for both handheld and automated use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual bundle binding is performed by operators, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but heterogeneous quality levels and execution times occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different cable bundlesVSAvoidknot quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The automated binding device incorporates adjustable parameters including binding tension force, binding position, and knot type selection. These parameters can be modified through electronic controls to adapt to different cable bundle specifications while maintaining consistent knot quality through standardized actuation sequences and force control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The binding device is divided into modular components including separate guide structures for different knot types, independent actuation mechanisms for each binding head, and segmented cable bundle positioning systems. This segmentation allows flexible configuration for different cable types while ensuring standardized binding execution through controlled module operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual bundle binding is performed by operators, then adaptability to different bundles is possible, but execution times become heterogeneous and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different cable bundlesVSAvoidbinding execution speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated binding device operates continuously with programmable sequences that eliminate idle time between binding operations. Multiple binding heads can work simultaneously on different sections of cable bundles, and the electronic control system manages continuous operation across different knot types and positions, maximizing productivity while maintaining adaptability through software configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where binding parameters such as tension force, speed, and positioning can be automatically modified during operation based on detected cable bundle characteristics. This dynamic adaptation enables consistent high-speed binding across varied cable types without sacrificing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If manual knot tying is performed, then operator control is maintained, but operators are at risk of finger injuries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator control over binding processVSAvoidoperator injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces manual mechanical knot-tying actions with automated mechanical actuators and electronic control systems. The binding process is executed by controlled mechanical components including motors, actuators, and guide structures that eliminate direct operator contact with sharp edges and pinching points, thereby removing injury risk while preserving full operational control through electronic interfaces and programmable logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If standardized automated binding is implemented, then manufacturing precision and productivity improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveknot quality consistencyVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated binding device incorporates universal components that can perform multiple functions including different knot types (clove hitch, square knot, etc.), adjustable binding positions, and various cable bundle configurations. This multi-functionality is achieved through programmable control systems and reconfigurable mechanical elements, reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate specialized devices for each binding type while maintaining high precision through standardized actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11396391B2Cable bundle binder

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 ATAMAZOS SL

AI summary

Disclosed is an automated module for binding a cable bundle, including eight parts arranged in two halves and having an opening or closing movement around a cable bundle, a lacing tape being pushed between the parts, once the automated module is closed, to form around the cable bundle a first knot or clove hitch followed by a second safety knot as a double knot on the former, before exiting the automated module, followed by a guide releasing movement, tightening the respective knots in the listed order, cutting the ends of the lacing tape and opening the automated module to remove the cable bundle.