Multi-Layer Cable Stripping via Segmented Mechanical and Laser Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cables with multi-layer sheaths are difficult to strip efficiently using existing methods, as mechanical stripping can cause damage and incomplete cuts, while laser stripping often leaves impurities that require laborious removal.
Innovation Solution
A method combining mechanical and thermal cutting processes, where a stripping knife is used to partially cut the outer layer, followed by laser cutting of inner layers, allowing for precise separation and removal of the sheathing without damaging the conductor, and a device comprising a stripping device and a laser cutting unit with a transfer mechanism for efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanical stripping with knives is used, then the outer layer can be cut, but incomplete cuts and damage to inner layers occur
Solution Approach 1:
The stripping process is divided into distinct stages: mechanical cutting of the outer layer followed by thermal cutting of inner layers. This segmentation allows each cutting method to be optimized for its specific layer, with mechanical knives handling the outer PVC layer and laser thermal cutting handling the glass fiber and foil layers, thereby achieving complete cuts without conductor damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cutting with thermal cutting using laser for specific cable layers. The laser beam provides precise thermal energy to cut through glass fiber fabric and foil layers without the mechanical contact that causes conductor damage, while mechanical knives continue to handle the outer layer effectively
2Manufacturing precision
If laser cutting is used, then clean cuts can be achieved, but impurities remain on the conductor requiring post-processing
Solution Approach 1:
The process segments the cutting task by layer type, using laser thermal cutting only for non-conductive layers (PVC outer layer, glass fiber fabric, foil) and stopping before the conductor. This prevents molten material from contaminating the conductor while still achieving clean cuts through the insulating layers
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical knives perform preliminary cutting of the outer PVC layer to create an initial incision, which then guides the laser beam for precise thermal cutting of inner layers. This preliminary mechanical action reduces the energy required for subsequent laser cutting and ensures accurate positioning
3Manufacturing precision
If rotating knives are used to cut all layers, then complete circumferential cuts are achieved, but conductor damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotating knives with laser thermal cutting for the inner layers (glass fiber fabric and foil). The laser beam rotates around the cable axis to create complete circumferential cuts through these layers without mechanical contact, eliminating the risk of conductor damage while achieving full circumferential separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cutting mechanism from mechanical to thermal for specific layers. The laser beam provides controlled thermal energy that melts and vaporizes the cable insulation materials at precise temperatures, allowing complete cuts through tough materials like glass fiber fabric without the mechanical force that would damage the conductor
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
Enables efficient and high-quality stripping of multi-layer cables with minimal post-processing, ensuring clean cuts and reduced damage to the conductor, thereby improving the stripping process for complex cable structures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one other layer of the sheathing of the cable is severed or severed at least in regions in a thermal cutting process
Implementation Method 2
The thermal cutting can be done, for example, by laser cutting. A laser beam directed onto the cable can be moved around the cable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 7~13
AI summary
In a novel method for stripping a cable (3) with a multilayer sheath (5), a first layer (10) of the sheath (5) of the cable (3) is first cut in a stripping device (6) with at least one stripping blade (4, 4'). Then, a layer (11) of the sheath (5) located inside the first layer is cut by a laser beam from a laser cutting device (8). The stripping process is completed by peeling off the sheath (5) cut by the stripping blade (4, 4') and laser beam (7).