Modular Cable Holder Positioning for Precise Multi-Station Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-automated and manual cable processing systems face challenges in achieving precise and efficient cable positioning relative to cable processing machines, particularly in low-volume applications, where fully-automated systems are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A modular cable holding system comprising a cable holding device with a clamp and a receiver that securely positions the cable, ensuring consistent placement across multiple processing stations, utilizing a combination of precision fit, magnetic retention, and RFID interlocks for accurate and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fully-automated cable processing systems are implemented, then manufacturing precision and cable positioning accuracy are improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A receiver device serves as an intermediary between the manual/semi-automated processing system and the cable holding device. The receiver includes positioning features that guide and locate the cable holding device, providing precision positioning without requiring a fully automated system. This mediator component enables accurate cable placement while maintaining the simplicity of manual or semi-automated operation.
2Device complexity
If manual cable handling techniques are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cable holding device incorporates self-aligning features including positioning elements on the device body that automatically locate against corresponding features in the receiver. This self-service positioning mechanism enables repeatable accurate placement without requiring complex external positioning systems or skilled manual alignment, maintaining simplicity while improving precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If tighter positional tolerances are enforced, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the difficulty of operation and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable holding device and receiver feature asymmetric positioning elements with specific geometries that provide unilateral location. The device body includes a positioning element with a specific shape that fits into a corresponding receptacle in the receiver, creating a unique orientation and position. This asymmetric design automatically enforces tight positional tolerances while simplifying operation, as the asymmetric features guide correct placement without requiring precise manual alignment by the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable holding system for positioning a cable relative to a cable processing machine comprises a cable holding device for selectively clamping onto a cable to be processed, and a receiver. The receiver includes an opening for selectively receiving the cable holding device in a predetermined orientation, and a mounting base for fixing the location of the receiver relative to the cable processing machine.