Cable Transport Network for Automated Sequence Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable processing machines face inefficiencies in producing cable sequences due to the need for complex configurations and downstream manual rearrangement steps, leading to high costs and difficulty in automation, particularly when producing multiple cable types.
Innovation Solution
A machine network comprising multiple cable output devices and a transport device that selectively accepts and arranges cables according to a specified sequence, allowing for efficient production of cable sequences without requiring all devices to be active simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a cable processing machine is configured to produce cable sequences with multiple cable types, then the machine can directly produce sequences without downstream manual rearrangement, but the machine structure becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The cable processing system is divided into multiple independent cable processing machines, each specialized for producing specific cable types. Instead of one complex machine handling all cable types, multiple simpler machines work in parallel, with each machine configured for particular cable types. This segmentation reduces individual machine complexity while maintaining automated sequence production capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable transport device serves multiple functions: it transports cables from different processing machines, selectively receives specific cable types, and arranges them in the desired sequence. This multi-functional approach consolidates transportation, selection, and arrangement operations into a single device, reducing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If all processing devices for a cable sequence are installed on a single machine, then the machine can produce complete cable sequences, but only a part of the devices are active at all times, worsening the cost/benefit ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The processing devices are segmented and distributed across multiple specialized cable processing machines rather than being concentrated in one machine. Each machine is optimized for specific cable types and operates continuously at full capacity for its designated cable types, improving utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cable processing machines operate simultaneously and continuously, each producing its designated cable types without interruption. The cable transport device continuously receives and arranges cables from all machines, ensuring continuous useful action across the entire system without idle devices.
3Device complexity
If a single cable processing machine produces lots of cables of the same type, then the machine configuration remains simple, but downstream manual separating and rearrangement into sequences is required, which is difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The cable transport device acts as an intermediary between the simple cable processing machines and the final sequence assembly. It automatically receives cables from the machines, selectively identifies and arranges them according to the desired sequence, and delivers the organized cables. This intermediary automates the previously manual rearrangement process while keeping the processing machines themselves simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine network for arranging cables according to a specified cable sequence includes first and second cable output devices and a cable transport device. The sequence includes cable types from at least one first and one second cable type group. The first cable type group includes only the first cable type and the second cable type group includes only the second cable type. The first cable output device is configured for outputting a first cable type group cable. The second cable output device is configured for outputting a second cable type group cable. The cable transport device is configured for selectively accepting the first cable output device cable and the second cable output device cable and for transporting the accepted cables. The selective acceptance occurs at least partially according to the specified cable sequence. A method for arranging cables according to the specified cable sequence utilizes the machine network.