Reel Clip Locking for Automated Wire Take-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire winding devices fail to automate the locking process when the clip is completely covered by the flange, as they cannot be opened from the outside, preventing the terminal end portion from being locked.
Innovation Solution
A wire winding device that includes a reel with first and second flanges, a clip with a base and tip end portion, and a lock jig that can be controlled to open the clip internally by applying tension and using pins to lift and position the pulled-out wire, allowing the lock jig to sandwich and lock the wire even when the clip is covered by the flange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the clip is completely covered by the flange, then the reel structure is more compact and secure, but the clip cannot be opened from the outside of the flange
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of opening the clip from the outside of the flange (conventional approach), the invention opens the clip from the inside of the flange. The lock jig is inserted through the flange to access and open the clip internally, reversing the direction of operation to resolve the contradiction between compact structure and operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock jig acts as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the external operator and the internal clip mechanism. By inserting the lock jig through the flange, it mediates the opening action, allowing the operator to open the clip from the outside while the actual opening occurs from the inside where the clip is covered by the flange.
2Extent of automation
If the clip is opened from inside the flange, then automated locking is enabled for covered clips, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock jig is divided into multiple functional segments: a insertion portion that penetrates the flange, a wire holding portion that grips the pulled-out wire, and a clip opening portion that pries the clip open. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling automated operation while keeping the overall device design manageable through modular functionality.
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 automated locking of the wire to the clip, ensuring the wire is securely locked to the reel even when the clip is covered by the flange, enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability across different reel configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a wire feeding portion configured to supply the wire to the reel while applying tension to the pulled-out part
Implementation Method 2
an interval between the tip end portion and the inner surface being changed by elastic deformation of the clip using the base end portion as a fulcrum
Implementation Method 3
a wire lifting portion configured to lift the pulled-out part outward in the radial direction
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A wire winding device includes a lock jig including a pair of tip end portions configured to approach each other or separate from each other. A control portion of the wire winding device is configured to execute: a step of winding a wire onto a winding drum; and a step of making the lock jig sandwich a pulled-out part of the wire, inserting the lock jig into a clip, and opening the tip end portions of the lock jig against biasing force of the clip to open the clip.