Holding Clamp Positioning for Reproducible Cable Conductor Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual preparation of cables for measurement, particularly high-speed cables, is time-consuming and leads to inconsistencies, affecting the reproducibility of measurement results due to variations in conductor length and contact with the circuit board.
Innovation Solution
An adapter device with a retaining clip and receiving device that allows for precise positioning and automatic cutting and stripping of conductors, ensuring reproducible sample preparation and consistent contact with the circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual preparation of cable conductors is performed, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but measurement precision and reproducibility deteriorate due to variations in conductor length and contact consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device segments the cable measurement system into distinct functional modules: a holding clamp for securing the cable, a receiving device with circuit board for electrical contact, and an adapter body that positions components relative to each other. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while ensuring consistent relative positioning, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complete automation of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device enables semi-automatic operation where the operator performs cable insertion and basic positioning, while the device automatically maintains precise geometric relationships between components through its rigid structure and predetermined positioning features. This self-service approach improves measurement consistency without requiring full automation, balancing precision improvement with operational simplicity.
2Productivity
If manual conductor preparation is used, then device complexity remains low, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming section-by-section insulation removal and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device merges multiple preparation functions into a single integrated structure: the holding clamp secures the cable, the receiving device provides circuit board contact, and the adapter body maintains fixed geometric relationships between all components. This consolidation allows operators to perform preparation steps more efficiently without requiring separate tools or multiple adjustment operations, thereby improving productivity with moderate increase in device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning of conductors is performed, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to variations in conductor length and contact position
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device incorporates preliminary positioning features built into its structure: the holding clamp is designed with specific geometry to position the cable at a predetermined location, the receiving device is fixed at a specific distance from the clamp, and the circuit board is positioned at a predetermined angle and distance. These preliminary actions ensure consistent conductor positioning and contact placement without requiring operators to perform precise manual measurements or adjustments, thereby improving manufacturing precision while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter device (10, 110, 210) for positioning at least one conductor (68), such as a conductor pair, for example, of a cable (70) to be measured, which adapter device comprises a receiving device (12) and a holding clamp (14) which can be attached to the receiving device (12). Attaching the holding claim (14) to the receiving device (12) fixes the holding claim (14) in position and alignment relative to the receiving device (12). The holding claim (14) is designed to receive and clamp the at least one conductor (68) of the cable (70) to be measured in sections in order to fix said cable in the position and alignment thereof relative to the holding chamber (14), such that an end section of the at least one conductor (68) extends beyond the holding clamp (14).