Cable Sleeve Conveyor Partition Prevents Clogging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for applying cable grommets to cables are inefficient in terms of space usage and require frequent refilling, leading to potential clogging and operational interruptions, especially when handling large quantities of grommets.

Innovation Solution

A device with a bulk container and a conveying system featuring a partition with a narrowed passage opening below the maximum fill height to prevent clogging, combined with an endless ring-shaped conveyor and receiving means for efficient and trouble-free operation, allowing for easy refilling and quick container exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the bulk container is filled to maximum capacity to ensure long production time, then the operating duration is improved, but the conveying device becomes prone to clogging and overloading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating time without refillingVSAvoidconveying device performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The partition with narrowed passage opening is installed in advance in the bulk container to pre-limit the flow of cable grommets to the conveying device. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents overloading before it occurs, allowing the container to be filled to maximum capacity while maintaining reliable conveying operation throughout the extended production period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Area of stationary object

If the bulk container is made compact to reduce floor space, then the device footprint is improved, but the capacity for storing cable grommets is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloor space requirementVSAvoidcable grommet capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The partition with narrowed passage opening optimizes the internal three-dimensional space arrangement of the bulk container. By strategically positioning the partition and narrowing the passage at a specific height, the design maximizes vertical storage capacity while maintaining a compact overall footprint, effectively utilizing space in multiple dimensions rather than simply expanding the container's external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the passage opening is enlarged to improve filling speed, then the refilling process is accelerated, but the conveying device becomes prone to clogging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefilling speedVSAvoidconveying device operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The partition introduces a localized quality change in the bulk container by creating a narrowed passage opening at a specific location and height. This localized constriction controls the flow rate of cable grommets to the conveying device, preventing clogging at the critical interface while allowing the bulk container to be quickly filled to maximum capacity through other areas, thus maintaining both refilling speed and conveying reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2731207B1Device for applying cable sleeves to a cable
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 SCHLEUNIGER AG
  • EP2731207B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A conveyor system having a driven annular conveyor belt (4) conveys cable sleeves from a cable sleeve container (3) to cable sleeve receiver(s) arranged on an inner face of the conveyor belt. A cable sleeve transporter receives the cable sleeves conveyed by the conveyor belt from the container. A transition passage formed by the opening of a transparent separator, and provided between the container and the conveyor system forms a cross-sectional constriction to cable sleeve transport provided between the container and the conveyor system. An independent claim is included for cable sleeve conveyor system separation device.