Cable Grommet Disconnect Device with Spacing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for removing cable grommets from cables, particularly in vehicle installations, are manual and costly due to the risk of damaging the cable during automation, as automated systems face high chances of damaging the cable when attempting to sever the grommet.

Innovation Solution

A severing device comprising a cutting unit and a spacing device that creates a gap between the cable grommet and the cable, allowing the cutting unit to cut the grommet from the inside out, utilizing a clamping device, vacuum, or conveyor to ensure safe and efficient automated separation without damaging the cable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated cutting is used to remove the cable grommet, then productivity is improved, but the cable may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of grommet removalVSAvoidcable damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing device creates a gap between the cable grommet and the cable before the cutting unit operates. This preliminary spacing action allows the cutting unit to cut the grommet from the inside out without the knife contacting the cable, thus automating the process while preventing cable damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of cutting the grommet from the outside in (which would risk cable damage), the cutting unit cuts from the inside out. The cutting edge is oriented obliquely and pointing away from the cable, reversing the conventional cutting direction to ensure the cable is not damaged during automated cutting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If manual removal of cable grommet is used, then cable damage is avoided, but time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable damage preventionVSAvoidmanual processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing device performs a preliminary action by creating a gap between the grommet and cable before cutting. This allows automated cutting to proceed safely without manual intervention, reducing processing time while maintaining cable integrity through the controlled spacing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spacing device acts as an intermediary between the cable and the cutting unit. It creates and maintains a gap that allows the cutting unit to operate on the grommet without the cable being in the danger zone, enabling automated operation while protecting the cable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the cutting unit is positioned close to the cable for precision, then cutting accuracy is improved, but cable damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidcable damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing device creates a controlled gap between the grommet and cable before cutting begins. This preliminary spacing allows the cutting unit to be positioned precisely for accurate cutting while maintaining a safe distance from the cable, thus achieving both cutting precision and cable protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spacing device introduces a spatial dimension (gap creation) between the cutting operation and the cable. By operating in this additional spatial dimension, the cutting unit can achieve precise cuts on the grommet while the cable remains in a protected zone, separating the cutting precision requirement from the cable safety requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables automated or semi-automated separation of cable grommets from cables, reducing time and costs while ensuring the cable remains undamaged, allowing for continuous and efficient processing.

Implementation Method 1

The spacing device (16) is designed to space at least a cutting section (36) of the cable grommet (10) from the cable (12)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical spacing:

Implementation Method 2

According to one embodiment, the spacing device comprises a clamping device. The clamping device can clamp the cable grommet so that the cutting section is spaced from the cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical clamping:

Implementation Method 3

Alternatively, the cutting section can be spaced apart in some other way, for example by means of a vacuum device. For example, the cutting section can be sucked in and sucked away from the cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Implementation Method 4

The conveying device can preferably have a friction-enhanced material, in particular spike-like needles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3422494B1Disconnecting device and method for disconnecting a cable sleeve from a cable

Publication Date: 2022.01.26 KOMAX SLE GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a cutting device for separating a cable grommet (10) from a cable (12), comprising a cutting unit (22) and a spacer device (16) which is configured to space at least one cutting section (36) of the cable grommet (10) away from the cable (12), wherein the cutting unit (22) is configured to cut the cutting section (36) of the cable grommet (10).