Automated Cable Stripping System for Thick Jackets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for stripping the outer protective jacket of large diameter electrical cables are inefficient, potentially hazardous, and prone to damaging the internal components, especially when the jacket has a thick diameter, as they require manual cutting and handling which can be time-consuming and risky.

Innovation Solution

A stripping system comprising a securement device and a cutting device with a cutting interface that securely grasps and partially severs the outer jacket of large diameter cables, using a pair of cutting apparatuses with blade curvatures to minimize damage to internal components and facilitate easy separation of the jacket without fully severing it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual cutting and handling methods are used to strip the outer jacket, then the process can be performed with simple tools, but the operation becomes time-consuming and exposes users to potential injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestripping speedVSAvoiduser safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cutting operations with an automated cutting device that uses a cutting element to sever the outer jacket. The system automatically positions and actuates the cutting device, eliminating the need for users to manually handle sharp cutting tools, thereby improving safety while maintaining stripping efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The stripping system is designed to automatically perform the stripping operation without requiring continuous user intervention. The device self-positions the cable, actuates the cutting mechanism, and separates the jacket pieces, reducing user exposure to hazards while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual cutting methods are used on thick jackets, then simple tools can be employed, but the process becomes excessively time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestripping efficiencyVSAvoidtime to strip jacket

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual cutting operations with an automated cutting device that rapidly severs the outer jacket. The system automatically positions and actuates the cutting device, eliminating the need for users to manually handle sharp cutting tools, thereby improving safety while maintaining stripping efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs preliminary positioning and alignment of the cable and cutting elements before the actual cutting action. This pre-positioning ensures that the cutting operation can be executed quickly and efficiently without requiring repeated adjustments during the stripping process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If full severance of the outer jacket is performed, then the jacket can be completely removed, but the internal components risk damage from the cutting process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejacket removal completenessVSAvoidinternal component integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different cutting depths to different regions of the cable. The cutting element is designed to sever the outer jacket while stopping before reaching the internal components. This localized control of cutting depth ensures complete jacket removal while protecting internal components from damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting device performs a partial severance of the outer jacket, cutting through most of the jacket thickness but leaving a small portion intact to protect internal components. This partial action approach ensures the jacket is sufficiently removed for access while maintaining a protective barrier around sensitive internal elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Productivity

If automated cutting devices are used to improve safety and speed, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestripping speedVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the stripping system into distinct functional modules: a cable positioning system, a cutting device with movable engagement platform, and a separation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high productivity without excessive overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a securement mechanism (through the engagement platform that holds the cable) and as a cutting mechanism. This reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting device complexity while maintaining high stripping productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11588308B2Cable stripping systems, devices, and methods for performing the same

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 UNIVERSAL ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A stripping system that includes a securement device including a receiver platform and an engagement platform sized to receive at least a portion of a large diameter cable having an outer jacket defining a thickness of at least 0.5 mm. The engagement platform translates relative to the receiver platform to secure the cable to the securement device. The system includes a cutting device including a receiver platform that includes a first cutting apparatus and an engagement platform that includes a second cutting apparatus. The receiver platform is sized to receive at least a portion of the cable. The engagement platform translates relative to the receiver platform to move the second cutting apparatus toward the first cutting apparatus to define a cutting interface that is sized to partially sever the outer jacket such that at least a portion of the 0.5 mm thickness of the outer jacket remains partially intact.