Cable Processing Device Control Unit Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable assembly arrangements with parallel cable processing devices require operators to cover long distances to switch between devices, reducing efficiency due to circuitous routes and additional travel for cable containers.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement features cable processing devices with central control units and cable transport control units positioned opposite each other, allowing operators to control two devices from a common accessible region, reducing the need for extensive movement and enabling efficient operation by mirroring machine components such as storage trays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cable processing devices are arranged in parallel adjacent to one another, then productivity is improved by producing multiple cables simultaneously, but the operator must cover long distances to switch between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control units into a single integrated control unit that can control multiple cable processing devices simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for the operator to physically move between separate control units, thereby reducing travel time while maintaining the ability to operate multiple parallel devices for high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality to control multiple different cable processing devices from a single location. This universal control capability allows the operator to manage all parallel devices without leaving the control station, resolving the contradiction between operating multiple devices and minimizing movement
2Reliability
If cable containers are stored on the cable feed side of the cable processing devices, then cable supply is ensured, but additional distance is added to the operator's path
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling the operator to access and manage cable containers from the central control location without needing to physically travel to the cable feed sides of the processing devices. The control unit provides remote management capability for cable supply, ensuring reliability while eliminating additional travel distance
3Ease of operation
If the operator must go around the cable processing device to access the next device, then all devices are accessible, but handling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is extracted from the physical location of each individual cable processing device and consolidated into a separate, centralized control unit. This extraction allows the operator to access and control all devices from one location without needing to physically move around the processing devices, thereby maintaining full device accessibility while dramatically improving handling efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for assembling cables having cable processing devices arranged in parallel adjacent to one another wherein each cable processing device includes processing stations for processing cable ends of a cable, a cable conveying device running along a longitudinal machine axis for transporting the cable to at least one of the processing stations in the direction of the longitudinal machine axis, and a central control unit for operating the cable processing device which is arranged to a side of the cable processing device with respect to the longitudinal machine axis. The cable processing devices are arranged in at least one group with two adjacent cable processing devices, wherein due to a mirror-image configuration the central control units and the cable transport control units of the two adjacent cable processing devices forming the group are arranged facing and opposite one another to increase efficiency and ergonomics for an operator.