Cable End Sensing Plate for Precise Strip Length Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable preparation devices rely on operator precision for correct cable positioning, leading to user error and potential movement of the cable during the preparation process, which can result in improper strip or cut lengths.

Innovation Solution

A cable end sensing apparatus using a sensing device to detect the cable end before and after the preparation cycle, ensuring accurate positioning and preventing cable movement, employing a sensing plate that detects changes in capacitance to verify proper contact and alert operators of any issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a hard stop is used to locate the cable end, then the device structure is simple, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to operator error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcable positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical hard stop positioning system with an optical sensing system. The optical sensor detects the cable end position by sensing the presence or absence of light, substituting mechanical contact-based positioning with optical field-based detection, thereby eliminating operator error while maintaining simple device structure

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary between the cable end and the positioning system. The sensor acts as a mediator that translates the physical presence of the cable end into an electrical signal, enabling precise detection without direct mechanical interaction and preventing cable movement during processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If optical sensing devices are used to check cable position, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable position detection accuracyVSAvoidsensing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensing function into distinct segments: a light source component, a sensor component, and a control logic component. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system design while maintaining high positioning precision through coordinated operation of the segmented components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical sensing device is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting cable end position before processing, verifying cable position after processing, and providing feedback for control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing systems for different stages, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision

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

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

This solution enables precise cable positioning and detection, reducing operator error and ensuring consistent strip or cut lengths, allowing for quicker and more accurate cable processing with reduced operator precision and improved process reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the sensing device 24 is a sensing plate which detects changes in capacitance of the cable 12 to determine whether or not the cable 12 is contacting the sensing device 24

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4046251B1Cable end sensing apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH
  • EP4046251B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4046251B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4046251B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A cable end sensing apparatus (10) and a method of sensing a cable end (14)of a cable (12) in a cable preparation device (16). The cable end sensing apparatus (10) includes cable clamps (20) for clamping and moving the cable(12) and a movable sensing device (24). The movable sensing device (24) has a first position in which the movable sensing device (24) is positioned in line with an axis of insertion (26) of the cable (12) to engage the end (14) of the cable (12) and to prevent the cable (12) from moving beyond the movable sensing device (24). The movable sensing device (24) has a second position in which the movable sensing device (24) is moved away from the axis of insertion(26) of the cable (12) when the cable end (14) is properly positioned to allow the cable (12) to move beyond the sensing device (24).