Rotatable Clip Gripper for Cable Run Angular Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated or fully automatic fastening of clips to a cable run is challenging, especially when clips need to be positioned at different angular positions around the cable run.
Innovation Solution
A clip module with a gripper and a control mechanism that allows the clip to be positioned at any desired angular position around the cable run, using a combination of feed unit movements and rotational adjustability of the gripper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a clip module is used to guide a clip onto a cable run, then the positioning capability is improved, but the ability to position clips at different angular positions around the cable run is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is made rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the transverse direction, allowing it to dynamically adjust its angular position around the cable run. This rotational capability enables the clip module to position clips at any desired angular position, transforming a static positioning system into a dynamic one that can adapt to different angular requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper is designed to perform multiple functions: it can grip the clip, rotate to different angular positions, and release the clip at the desired position. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle various angular positioning requirements without needing multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gripper is made rotatable to achieve different angular positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational mechanism is integrated directly into the gripper assembly, merging the rotation function with the gripping function. By combining these functions in a single integrated unit rather than separate components, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve different angular positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper is given rotational freedom about a transverse axis, adding a rotational dimension to its movement capabilities. This allows the gripper to access different angular positions around the cable run without requiring complex linear positioning mechanisms, effectively using rotational motion to simplify the overall system architecture.
3Productivity
If automated positioning is implemented, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of controlling gripping elements at different angular positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism receives signals indicating the desired angular position and automatically adjusts the gripper's rotation and the gripping elements' positions accordingly. This feedback-based control system enables automated positioning at different angular positions without requiring complex manual intervention or coordination between multiple independent control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is designed to coordinate the rotation of the gripper and the actuation of gripping elements in a predetermined sequence. By preparing and executing these actions in advance based on the target angular position, the system achieves automated positioning efficiently without requiring complex real-time coordination during the actual clipping operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A clip module is used for automatically positioning a clip at any angular position on a cable run. The clip module has a gripper having gripping elements for gripping the clip. These gripping elements can be adjusted between an open position and a gripping position by a control mechanism. Furthermore, a delivery unit is provided by which the gripper can be moved in a longitudinal direction and in a vertical direction. The gripper is rotatable and the gripping elements can be actuated in any angular position of the gripper.