Portable Cable Tie Tool Simplified Feed Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic cable tie tools require complex reciprocating mechanisms for transporting and applying cable ties, leading to increased tool complexity and length, as well as the need for fewer moving parts.

Innovation Solution

A portable, handheld cable tie apparatus utilizing two motors to impart rotational movement in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, with a clutch system and gearing assemblies to simplify the cable tie delivery and tensioning process, allowing for a self-contained, one-handed operation with fewer moving parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If reciprocating mechanisms are used for cable tie transport, then cable tie delivery function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable tie delivery functionVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the reciprocating transport mechanism from the system entirely. Instead of using a complex reciprocating member to transport cable ties, the invention uses a simplified feed mechanism where cable ties are fed continuously through the tool body, and the application head applies ties without requiring retraction movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable tie feed mechanism is designed to automatically advance ties through the tool without requiring active reciprocating transport. The system uses passive feeding where ties are pushed through by the application cycle itself, eliminating the need for separate transport actuators and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If reciprocating mechanisms are used for cable tie transport, then cable tie delivery function is achieved, but tool length increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable tie delivery functionVSAvoidtool length
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the reciprocating transport mechanism, the patent eliminates the space required for retraction movements and associated components. This results in a more compact tool body with reduced overall length, making the tool more portable and easier to handle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If reciprocating mechanisms are used for cable tie transport, then cable tie delivery function is achieved, but quantity of moving parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable tie delivery functionVSAvoidnumber of moving parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the reciprocating member and its associated moving parts entirely. The simplified feed mechanism uses fewer components, with cable ties being advanced through passive pushing rather than active reciprocating transport, significantly reducing the number of moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Device complexity

If simplified mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but cable tie transport capability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidcable tie transport capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The simplified feed mechanism is designed to automatically advance cable ties through the tool using the application cycle itself. The tie feed system uses passive pushing where the actuation of the application head naturally advances the next tie into position, maintaining full transport capability without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3752425B1Portable cable tie tool
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 PANDUIT CORP
  • EP3752425B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3752425B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3752425B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An automatic cable tie apparatus tightens and fastens a cable tie around a bundle of cables. A motor imparts rotational movement to a shaft separately in a first direction and a second direction. The first and second directions are one of a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. A cable tie delivery mechanism is operably joined to the motor such that the cable tie delivery mechanism transfers a cable tie to a cable tie load starting position as the shaft rotates in the first direction. A transporter is also operably joined to the motor such that the transporter transfers the cable tie from the cable tie load starting position to a cable tie tensioning position as the shaft rotates in the second direction.