Cable Processing Machine Tensioning Grippers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable processing machines face inaccuracies due to cable sagging, which affects length precision, especially in high-frequency applications requiring precise phase positions and runtimes.
Innovation Solution
A cable processing machine with a handling unit featuring a swivel arm or robot arm for linear movement, equipped with transport grippers that maintain a defined tensile force on the cable, reducing slack and curvature, and a cutting unit positioned between grippers for precise cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the cable is held by a single gripper during processing, then the positioning accuracy is maintained, but the cable sags and causes length inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The cable handling system is segmented into multiple grippers (first transport gripper, second transport gripper, and linear infeed gripper) that work together to support the cable at multiple points. This segmentation prevents sagging while maintaining positioning accuracy, resolving the contradiction between single-point holding and length precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the cable by applying a defined stretching force through the coordinated action of multiple grippers. This parameter change (from slack to taut state) eliminates sagging and ensures accurate cable length during processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the cable is stretched with a defined force, then the length accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple grippers are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as transport mechanisms and as tensioning devices. The first and second transport grippers not only move the cable but also apply the stretching force when positioned appropriately, eliminating the need for separate tensioning devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling unit performs self-service by using its own grippers to apply the stretching force rather than requiring an external tensioning device. The grippers coordinate their movements to automatically tension the cable during the processing cycle.
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 significantly enhances length accuracy by maintaining cable tension, reducing sagging and curvature, thereby meeting the precise requirements of high-frequency applications.
Implementation Method 1
the cable is clamped in a linear feed gripper and pulled in the direction of its longitudinal axis into a position in which it is clamped in a first transport gripper... the cable being clamped between the linear feed gripper and the first transport gripper is stretched with a predetermined force
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable processing machine comprises at least one handling unit (1A, 2A, 3A; 1B, 2B, 3B) for a cable (5) to be processed, and at least one processing station. The handling unit (1A, 2A, 3A; 1B, 2B, 3B) transports the cable (5) to and from each processing station. At least one processing station has a cutting unit (4) for cutting the cable (5) to length. A linear feeder (2C) with a linear feed gripper (3C) for the cable (5) is movable relative to a first transport gripper (3A) into a position in which the cable (5) is held taut with a predefinable force. The method for cutting a cable to length comprises a step in which the cable (5) is clamped at two positions and cut between these positions.For this purpose, the cable (5) is clamped in a linear feed gripper (3C) and drawn in along its longitudinal axis to a position in which it is clamped in a first transport gripper (3A) at a distance from the linear feed gripper (3C). After clamping between the linear feed gripper (3C) and the first transport gripper (3A), the cable (5) is tensioned with a predefinable force.