Cable Rotation Rollers for Torsion-Free Assembly Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for rotating cables during assembly, such as end-on rotation and friction-based rotation, either result in torsional forces or limited adaptability to cable types, leading to suboptimal rotation and potential cable twisting.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a belt-driven gripping unit with rotating rollers and guide rollers, allowing flexible adaptation to cable types through interchangeable rollers with predetermined roughness for optimal static friction, enabling precise and torsion-free rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable is rotated end-on using a rotating device, then the cable can be rotated around its longitudinal axis, but the remaining cable length twists and torsional forces are introduced into the tensioned area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotating rollers as intermediary elements between the belt drive and the cable. These rollers contact the cable surface and transmit rotational motion through friction, acting as a mediator that enables cable rotation while preventing direct twisting forces from being transmitted to the cable body. The rollers rotate freely on their axes while driving the cable rotation, isolating the cable from harmful torsional stresses.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a belt is used to rotate the cable via friction, then the cable rotates behind the tensioner without torsional forces, but the belt structure cannot be arbitrarily modified for optimal frictional engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the rotating rollers interchangeable with different surface properties. Each roller can have specifically tailored surface roughness, diameter, and material characteristics optimized for different cable types. This allows the frictional engagement to be locally adapted at the contact point between roller and cable, while the overall belt drive structure remains unchanged and continues to provide torsion-free rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the roller selection adaptable based on cable characteristics. The system transitions from a fixed belt-cable friction interface to a dynamic configuration where appropriate rollers can be selected or exchanged depending on the specific cable type, diameter, and surface properties, enabling optimal frictional engagement while maintaining the torsion-free rotation benefit.
3Measurement precision
If rotating rollers with predetermined roughness are used, then optimal static friction is achieved for precise rotation, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the rotating rollers to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they transmit rotational motion from the belt drive, provide optimized frictional engagement through their surface roughness, prevent cable surface damage through proper material selection, and enable precise rotation control. This multi-functionality is achieved within the existing belt drive framework without requiring fundamentally new device components, thus limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 precise, continuous, and flexible cable rotation with minimal mechanical stress, ensuring optimal frictional engagement and adaptability to various cable types without complex adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating rollers can be coated as desired or their roughness can be defined in order to provide optimal frictional contact with the cable
Implementation Method 2
a belt transmission with a belt and a drive for moving the belt
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for rotating a cable (20), comprising a belt transmission (2) with a belt (4) and a drive (6) for moving the belt (4), a gripping unit (10) for gripping the cable (20), wherein the gripping unit (10) has at least a first and a second gripping element (11, 12), and the first and second gripping elements (11, 12) are connected to the belt transmission (2), at least two rotating rollers (14), which are each arranged on the first and second gripping elements (11, 12), are connected to the belt (4), and can be rotated via the belt transmission (2), wherein the gripped cable (20) can be contacted via the at least two rotating rollers (14) on each gripping element (11, 12) and can be set in rotation (D) by the rotating rollers (14). The present invention further relates to a method for rotating a cable (20).