Cable Rack Height Locking for Precise Cable Feed Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable changing devices face challenges in precisely adjusting and locking the height of a cable rake relative to a cable feed device, leading to differences between the desired and actual height positions, which can cause handling difficulties during cable feeding and processing.
Innovation Solution
A cable changing device with height alignment elements and complementary height determination elements allows for precise adjustment and locking of the cable rake at predetermined heights relative to the cable feed device, using features like depressions and projections, and a compensating connecting element to ensure accurate positioning and minimize mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cable rake is made height-adjustable to feed different cables, then the adaptability to different cable configurations is improved, but the precision of height positioning deteriorates due to the difference between desired and actual height positions
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete height levels with alignment elements at each level. The cable rake can be positioned at multiple predetermined heights, each marked by alignment elements that ensure precise positioning. This segmentation allows the system to maintain precision at each discrete level while providing adaptability across multiple height positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment elements act as intermediaries between the cable rake and the cable feed device. These elements (such as pins, protrusions, or registration features) ensure that when the cable rake is positioned at a desired height, it locks into the exact correct position, eliminating the difference between desired and actual height positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cable rake is adjusted to the desired height position, then the adaptability to different cable heights is improved, but the reliability of cable feeding deteriorates due to handling difficulties caused by height differences
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment elements are designed to automatically engage and lock the cable rake at the correct height position. When the cable rake is moved to a desired height, the alignment elements self-engage to ensure precise positioning, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring reliable cable feeding without handling difficulties.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the height adjustment range is increased to accommodate different cables, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple alignment elements and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment elements are designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall device complexity. The same alignment elements serve multiple purposes: they mark the desired height position, provide mechanical locking, and ensure precise positioning. This universal design allows for a wide height adjustment range without proportionally increasing the number of separate components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable changing device (60) is proposed comprising a cable rack (2) for holding several cables (3, 3') at different heights, and a cable feed device (50) for feeding one of the cables (3, 3') of the cable rack (2) to a cable processing machine, wherein the cable rack (2) is designed to be adjustable in height relative to the cable feed device (50) such that, depending on the height of the cable rack (2) relative to the cable feed device (50), the cable feed device (50) can feed different cables (3, 3') of the cable rack (2) to the cable processing machine, characterized in that the cable rack (2) has height alignment elements (70-74) and the cable feed device (50) has height determination elements (16, 21) complementary to the height alignment elements (70-74), wherein the height alignment elements (70-74) and the height determination elements (16, 21) are designed in such a way,that the cable rack (2) is locked at one of several predetermined heights relative to the cable feed device (50) when the height determination elements (16, 21) are connected to a part of the height alignment elements (70-74).