Programmable Gripper Jaws for Cable Diameter Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crimping devices require different nozzle tubes for cables of varying diameters, leading to technical inefficiencies and increased effort, and have weight issues in the swivel arm head.
Innovation Solution
The crimping device employs programmably adjustable comb-like gripper jaws with a stop mechanism, allowing precise adjustment of the distance between teeth to accommodate cables of different diameters without the need for nozzle tubes, and a lightweight piston/cylinder unit with a control disk for automatic positioning, enabling precise guidance and fixing of cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If nozzle tubes with different inner diameters are used to guide cables of different diameters, then cable guidance precision is improved, but device complexity and technical effort increase due to the need to replace nozzle tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper jaws are designed to perform multiple functions: they can firmly clamp cables for stripping operations and can also guide cables of different diameters when in the open position. By adjusting the distance between the gripper jaws, the same component serves both as a clamping device and as a universal guide for various cable sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized nozzle tubes
Solution Approach 2:
The distance between the gripper jaws is made adjustable through a programmable stop mechanism that allows the jaws to be positioned at different distances from each other. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the gripper jaws to adapt to cables of different diameters, providing precise guidance without requiring physical replacement of components
2Manufacturing precision
If nozzle tubes are used to guide cables, then cable guidance precision is improved, but the weight of the swivel arm head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper jaws serve dual purposes: clamping cables during stripping operations and guiding cables of different diameters when open. This eliminates the need for separate nozzle tube components, thereby reducing the overall weight of the swivel arm head while maintaining cable guidance functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding function previously performed by separate nozzle tubes is extracted and integrated into the gripper jaws themselves. By removing the dedicated nozzle tube components and incorporating their function into the existing gripper mechanism, the weight of the swivel arm head is reduced while guidance precision is maintained through programmable jaw positioning
3Manufacturing precision
If the distance between gripper jaws teeth is increased to accommodate thinner cables, then cable guidance capability is improved, but cable fixation stability in closed position may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distance between gripper jaws based on the cable diameter being processed. For thinner cables, the jaws are positioned farther apart to provide adequate guidance space, while for thicker cables, the jaws are positioned closer together. The programmable stop mechanism ensures that regardless of the open position configuration, the jaws always achieve proper engagement and stable fixation in the closed position
Solution Approach 2:
The distance parameter between gripper jaws is changed based on the specific cable being processed. By programmatically adjusting the stop position, the system modifies the jaw spacing parameter to match the cable diameter, ensuring optimal guidance capability for thin cables while maintaining reliable fixation for all cable types through proper engagement in the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device has a rotating arm (1) with a cable grip (3) actuated by a piston-/cylinder unit (2). The grip is alternately and immovably pressed at the outer circumference of a cable end (4), or brought into an open position in which gripper jaws (3.1) exhibit a distance from outer circumference of the cable end. The distance is defined by a stopper (5), and a counter stopper (6) of the gripper jaws or a piston of a piston-/cylinder unit is brought in engagement with the stopper in open position of the gripper jaws. The stopper is programmatically adjustable with respect to the counter stopper.