Cable Terminal Labels With Flat Print Surface and Tube Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated labelling devices for electrical cable terminals are limited by their non-flat shape, insufficient strength, increased dimensions due to dual tube construction, and inefficiencies in printing, which lead to interruptions in production when labels are rejected.
Innovation Solution
A device using continuous strips of labels with a central connection element, a feeder, centring device, and laser printer that allows for precise, flexible, and efficient labelling without flattening the labels, enabling interchangeable sections and immediate reprinting without halting production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the label tube is made thinner to achieve a flat and thin shape at the writing point, then the device becomes more compact and easier to handle, but the label lacks sufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The label is constructed as a composite structure consisting of a tube portion and a plate portion joined together. The tube provides flexibility and conformability, while the plate provides a flat, rigid writing surface and additional strength. This composite design allows the label to be thin and flat at the writing point without sacrificing overall structural integrity.
2Strength
If the label tube is made thicker to achieve adequate strength, then the label becomes stronger, but the device dimensions increase and the range of handleable wire cross-sections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The label is segmented into two distinct portions: a thin tube portion that provides flexibility and a separate plate portion that provides strength and a flat writing surface. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other, enabling the label to be strong without increasing overall dimensions.
3Productivity
If labels are printed before insertion into conductors, then the printing process can be completed in advance, but production must be interrupted when labels are rejected to redo them
Solution Approach 1:
The label is prepared in advance with the writing surface pre-formed on the plate portion, but the actual printing is deferred until the label is positioned on the conductor. The pre-formed flat surface allows for rapid printing when needed, while the modular design enables rejected labels to be quickly replaced without interrupting the overall production sequence.
4Ease of manufacture
If a dual tube construction is used to create the label, then the label can be formed, but the overall dimensions of the label increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the writing surface function from the tube structure by adding a separate plate portion. This allows the tube to remain thin and flexible while the plate provides the necessary flat surface for writing, eliminating the need for dual tube construction and reducing overall label dimensions.
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
The solution provides a compact, reliable, and cost-effective labelling process that maintains label strength and flexibility, reduces material waste, and allows for immediate reprinting without production interruptions, covering a wide range of wire diameters with precise and indelible marking.
Implementation Method 1
a printer, preferably a laser printer, capable of writing on said outer upper flat wall exposed to the printing device of the printer, and preferably to the laser beam of said laser printer
Data Source
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AI summary
Summary This is a device for the automation of the labelling of the terminals of electric cables using a label inserted on the terminal end of the cables themselves, where said device can render the labelling reliable over time on various diameters of the electric cables with an extremely small number of label sizes.