Modular Lug Strip Feeding Table for Precise Serial Crimping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crimping devices for cable lugs are inflexible, expensive, and lack modularity, making them unsuitable for high-volume, high-speed production with varying lug strip geometries.

Innovation Solution

A crimping device with a modular feeding table that includes a longitudinal slot, holding block, and adjustable longitudinal guide, allowing precise positioning and adaptation to different lug strip geometries without disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed feeding table is used for serial crimping, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different lug strip geometries is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different lug strip geometriesVSAvoidfeeding table structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding table is segmented into modular components: a base plate, an adjustable longitudinal guide with support and arm, and interchangeable holding blocks. Each component can be independently adjusted or replaced to accommodate different lug strip geometries without redesigning the entire feeding table structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The longitudinal guide components (support, arm, and guide blade) are made adjustable rather than fixed. The support can be positioned at different locations on the base plate, the arm can be adjusted in angle and position, and the guide blade can be repositioned along the arm, allowing dynamic adaptation to various lug strip configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed feeding table is used for serial crimping, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the production flexibility is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding table is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple lug strip geometries through interchangeable holding blocks and adjustable guides. A single feeding table structure serves multiple production runs with different cable lug configurations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated feeding tables for different product variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing geometric parameters of the feeding arrangement by replacing holding blocks with different geometries and adjusting the longitudinal guide positions. This enables the same base structure to adapt to different production requirements by modifying only specific parameters rather than redesigning the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If sequential advancement of lug strip is implemented, then crimping precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrimping precisionVSAvoidfeeding mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding block with guide groove and the longitudinal guide work together in a self-aligning manner. The guide groove automatically positions the lug strip in the correct orientation, and the guide blade inserted between the rows of guiding elements provides longitudinal positioning without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms. The feed brake automatically engages to clamp the lug strip against the holding block during sequential advancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4686014A1Serial crimping device for cable lugs, with feeding table
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4686014A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4686014A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4686014A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Device for crimping cable lugs in series, comprising a feeding table (3) which includes : - a longitudinal slot (11) extending along the length of the feeding table (3) in the feeding direction (12); - an holding block (13) arranged in the longitudinal slot (11), this holding block (13) having a guide groove (14) adapted to guide a lug strip in the feeding direction (12); - a longitudinal guide (9) having a guide edge (24) extending in the feeding direction (12) and adapted to be inserted between two rows of guide elements of a lug strip; - a feed brake, adapted to clamp a lug strip against the holding block (13).