Automated Cable Central Filler Removal Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cable processing technologies, particularly for High Speed Data (HSD) cables, are not fully automated, requiring manual or semi-automatic processing steps such as stripping sheathing, cutting, and removing the braided shield and central filler, which limits efficiency and integration into fully automatic systems.

Innovation Solution

A processing device with moveable grippers and a separating device that allows for the fully automatic release and separation of the central filler, featuring pivoting grippers and a pincer-like cutting mechanism for precise and efficient removal, along with a suction device for part removal, controlled by a sensor and control system for automated operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual or semi-automatic processing methods are used for cable stripping, cutting, and filler removal, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity and automation level are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing device is divided into multiple specialized modules: a stripping module with movable grippers for conductor separation, a cutting module with a separating device for filler removal, and a suction module for debris removal. Each module performs a specific function independently, enabling fully automated multi-step processing while maintaining operational flexibility through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple processing steps are performed manually or semi-automatically at individual stations, then each step can be optimized independently, but integration into fully automatic systems is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple previously separate processing functions (stripping, cutting, filler removal) into a single integrated processing device. The movable grippers, separating device, and suction module work together in one coordinated system, enabling fully automated cable processing while reducing the number of individual stations required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the central filler is not separated close to the sheathed cable region, then processing simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision and cleanliness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiller separation precisionVSAvoidprocessing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting module employs a dynamically movable separating device that can position the cutting edges precisely at the desired location near the sheathed cable region. The movable grippers also enable dynamic positioning to facilitate accurate filler separation, achieving high manufacturing precision through controlled movement rather than fixed mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2871735B1Apparatus for the removal of the central core of a cable with at least two conductors
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 SCHLEUNIGER AG
  • EP2871735B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2871735B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2871735B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A device for removing the central filler (9) of a cable (3) with at least two conductors (4) preferably comprises a holding/clamping device (6) for clamping the stripped cable (3), preferably provided with a support sleeve, with exposed conductors (4), and preferably a centering device, as well as a sensor and control device, optionally designed as a module of a higher-level system control. The processing device (7) for each conductor (4) and/or each pair of conductors (4a, 4b) of the cable (3) has at least one movable gripper (8a, 8b) for each conductor (4) and/or each pair of conductors (4a, 4b), as well as a separate cutting device (10) for the central filler (9).