Cable Twisting Head With Independent Rotor and Gripper Drives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable twisting and stranding devices are limited in their ability to efficiently produce cable bundles with varying types of electrical and optical cables, as they often require fixed gear ratios and directions of rotation, restricting the selection of cable types that can be twisted and increasing production time due to the need to move the drill vessel back and forth between twisting heads.

Innovation Solution

A twisting head device with independently drivable twisting rotors and gripper devices, allowing for different speeds and directions of rotation, and a compact design with a drive shaft extending through the rotor, enabling a wide range of cables to be twisted or stranded reproducibly and flexibly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed gear ratios and directions of rotation are used in twisting devices, then the device structure is simplified, but the selection of cable types that can be twisted is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection of cable typesVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the gear ratios and directions of rotation adjustable rather than fixed. The twisting device incorporates variable speed drives and reversible rotation mechanisms that allow operators to dynamically change the rotation parameters based on the specific cable type being processed. This enables the same device to handle diverse cable types (different diameters, materials, and twisting requirements) without requiring multiple dedicated machines, thereby improving adaptability while accepting increased mechanical complexity through the addition of controllable drive systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the rotation speed, direction, and gear ratios to be modified according to the cable specifications. The device includes control systems that adjust rotational parameters (speed in RPM, direction of rotation, and gear engagement) based on the type of cable being twisted. This enables flexible processing of sensitive electrical and optical cables with varying requirements, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity by making key operational parameters variable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the drill vessel is moved back and forth between twisting heads, then the twisting process can be completed, but production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction timeVSAvoidtime for moving drill vessel
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating multiple twisting head operations into a single stationary drill vessel position. Instead of moving the drill vessel between separate twisting heads, the design combines multiple twisting capabilities at one location, allowing the drill vessel to remain stationary while cables are processed through integrated twisting mechanisms. This eliminates the time-consuming back-and-forth movement and significantly reduces production time while maintaining the ability to complete the twisting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the drill vessel and twisting mechanisms in their optimal locations before the twisting process begins. The device is configured so that all necessary twisting operations can be performed from the initial position without requiring subsequent movement of the drill vessel. This preliminary arrangement of components and processes eliminates idle movement time and maximizes production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If cables are over-twisted to achieve desired final twist, then the twisting process is simplified, but mechanical stress on cables increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetwisting process simplicityVSAvoidmechanical stress on cables
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the rotation speed, direction, and number of twists applied to sensitive electrical and optical cables. The device incorporates variable speed drives and control systems that adjust the twisting parameters to match the specific requirements of different cable types, avoiding excessive mechanical stress. This allows the process to remain simple and efficient while protecting vulnerable cables from damage through optimized parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling real-time adjustment of twisting parameters based on cable sensitivity. The device can dynamically modify rotation speed and direction during the twisting process to accommodate the mechanical properties of different cables. For sensitive cables, the system reduces rotation speed and applies gentler twisting forces, while for more robust cables, it can apply stronger forces more quickly. This dynamic adaptation maintains process simplicity while minimizing harmful mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3707731B1Twisting appliance and twisting head device and method for twisting or stranding cables
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 SCHLEUNIGER AG
  • EP3707731B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3707731B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3707731B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for twisting or stranding cables (16) and to a twisting head device (20), comprising a twisting rotor (22) and a twisting rotor drive device (21) for driving the twisting rotor (22). The twisting head device also comprises a first gripper device (30) which is rotatably arranged on the twisting rotor (22), and another gripper device which is rotatably arranged on the twisting rotor (22). The twisting rotor (22) is rotatably arranged on the twisting head device (20) and has an axis of rotation (23). The first gripper device (30) can be driven by means of a gripper drive device and a drive shaft. The drive shaft extends through the twisting rotor (22). The invention also relates to a twisting appliance (15) and to a method for twisting or stranding cables (16). The twisting appliance (15) comprises a control device (60) and a first sensor device for detecting the position of a stranding shuttle (65), the first sensor device being connected to the control device (60) for the exchange of sensor data.