Comb Loader With Movable Teeth for Cable Sheath Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing comb loaders for electrical cables are prone to damage the cable sheath due to narrow teeth and require manual tools for extraction, increasing the risk of further damage.
Innovation Solution
A comb loader with a selective gripping system featuring a fixed and movable comb assembly that allows for varying the insertion space between teeth, enabling secure holding and safe insertion/extraction of cables without damaging them, using aligned teeth with a minimum width of 5 mm and flexible designs to reduce pressure points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If narrow teeth are used in the comb loader, then the cables can be held with a gripping effect, but the sheath of the cables can be cut, damaged, or severed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of tooth width from narrow (prior art) to wide (at least 5 mm). This parameter change allows the teeth to distribute gripping force over a larger area, maintaining the necessary holding force while preventing cable sheath damage through reduced pressure concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the contact surfaces of the teeth have specific properties (width of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm) to create an extended contact line. This local modification ensures that the gripping force is distributed along the contact line rather than concentrated at a single point, preventing sheath damage while maintaining effective cable holding.
2Ease of operation
If manual tools or pincers are used to extract cables from the comb, then cables can be removed, but the risk of damaging the cable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling cables to be easily extracted without manual tools. The movable comb can be shifted to open positions that maximize insertion space, allowing cables to be freely removed by their weight or gentle manual guidance. This eliminates the need for pincers or pliers that could damage the cable, while still providing secure holding during processing through the closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the comb structure movable rather than fixed. The movable comb can be selectively positioned between open and closed states, dynamically adapting to the operational phase: closed for secure cable holding during processing, open for easy cable insertion and extraction. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for harmful extraction tools.
3Force
If the insertion space between teeth is small, then cables are securely held, but cables cannot be easily inserted or extracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the insertion space dynamic rather than fixed. The movable comb allows the insertion space to vary between two extreme positions: a closed position where the space is minimized for secure cable holding during processing, and an open position where the space is maximized for easy cable insertion and extraction. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to compromise between holding security and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through the cyclic movement of the movable comb between open and closed positions. During operation, the comb transitions periodically between the open state (for cable loading and unloading) and the closed state (for secure cable processing). This periodic adjustment of the insertion space allows the system to alternately prioritize ease of operation and cable holding security according to the operational phase.
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 system effectively holds and releases cables without damaging the sheath, reducing the risk of cable damage during processing by ensuring a wide contact area and flexible movement.
Implementation Method 1
said movable comb is constrained to said support so that it can be selectively translated with respect to the fixed comb between: at least one open position, where the movable comb and the fixed comb are positioned in such a way as to maximize said insertion space
Implementation Method 2
said surface has a width of preferably at least 5 mm, so that, in the closed position, said tooth surfaces press on the cable sheath ideally along a sufficiently extended contact line, thus reducing the pressure on the sheath on a limited area
Implementation Method 3
Each of said teeth of said fixed comb and of said movable comb are furthermore specially configured so as not to damage the cables when they are secured between them
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
This is a comb loader (100) for electric cables (C) for crimping machines or the processing of electric cables in general, comprising a support (10) on which at least one comb assembly (20, 30) is mounted, wherein said comb assembly (20, 30) in turn comprises at least one comb, or fixed comb (21, 31), equipped with a plurality of teeth (211) side by side and aligned in a main direction (X) of the comb, and a second comb, or movable comb (22, 32), and where said fixed combs (21, 31) and movable combs (22, 32) are configured and positioned so that the teeth (211) of the fixed comb (21, 31) are aligned and alternating with the teeth (221) of the movable comb (22, 32) along a main direction (X).