Cable Hanking Fixture with Adjustable Mandrels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for banking cables often require twist ties or specialized packaging features to maintain a hanked configuration, which can be inconvenient and inefficient, especially when dealing with cables of varying lengths and connectors that need to be secured within the loops.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a winding fixture with adjustable mandrels and a semi-rigid wrapping member to securely hank cables, allowing for easy removal and accommodating different cable lengths, where the cable is looped around mandrels with connectors inside the loops and wrapped with a semi-rigid member that secures itself with adhesive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If twist ties or special recessed packaging features are used to retain a cable in a hanked configuration, then the cable can be maintained in a compact form, but the complexity of the packaging system increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for specialized components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for specialized packaging features by extracting the retention function to the cable itself. The cable is designed with a self-retaining structure where the connector geometry and cable routing work together to maintain the hanked configuration without requiring external twist ties or recessed packaging features.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system provides self-retention through its own structural elements. The connector design and cable path arrangement enable the cable to maintain its hanked configuration autonomously, eliminating dependence on external packaging components or specialized features.
2Stability of the object's composition
If twist ties or special recessed packaging features are used to retain a cable in a hanked configuration, then the cable can be maintained in a compact form, but ease of operation worsens due to inconvenience in handling and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate retention mechanisms by integrating the retention function into the cable's own structure. This extraction of the retention requirement from external components directly improves ease of operation by removing inconvenient twist ties and specialized packaging features that users must manipulate.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-retaining cable design allows users to simply plug and unplug the connector without needing to twist, untie, or manipulate specialized packaging features. The cable maintains its hanked configuration automatically through its own structural design, significantly improving user convenience.
3Shape
If connectors are required to terminate inside the loops of the hanked cable, then a neat appearance is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for positioning mechanisms by extracting the connector termination requirement to the natural geometry of the cable and connector itself. The connector is designed to automatically terminate inside the loops when the cable is hanked, achieving a neat appearance without additional positioning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable and connector are pre-designed with specific geometric relationships that ensure proper termination positioning. The preliminary design of the cable routing and connector geometry guarantees that when the cable is hanked, the connectors will naturally terminate inside the loops, eliminating the need for complex positioning mechanisms during assembly.
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 provides a convenient and efficient method for banking cables of varying lengths, ensuring connectors are securely positioned within the loops and allowing for easy removal of the wrapping member, enhancing cable management and packaging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A semi-rigid wrapping member can be wrapped around the hanked cable and secured to itself with an adhesive.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for hanking a cable are disclosed. A hanked cable may be formed by winding the cable around two or more mandrels attached to support members of a winding fixture. At least one of the mandrels can be removeably attached to the winding fixture to facilitate clamping the cable between the mandrel and the support member. The distance between mandrels may be varied by including, in the winding fixture, an adjustable stage for adjusting the relative positions of the mandrels. Once the cable is wound into a hanked configuration, it may be wrapped with a semi-rigid wrapping member to help retain the hanked shape.