Robotic Cable Removal From Processing Machine Troughs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cable processing machines require manual intervention for tasks like changing cables, quality testing, and removing defective cables, leading to operational interruptions and reduced productivity.

Innovation Solution

A cable processing machine device equipped with a handling robot featuring a gripper arm that automates the handling and processing of cables, allowing for automated cable changing, quality inspection, and removal of defective cables without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual removal of cables from the removal trough is used, then the machine operator can remove finished batches, but the machine operation is interrupted and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of cables processed per unit of timeVSAvoidtime interruptions in machine operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The handling robot autonomously performs cable removal operations without requiring machine operator intervention. The robot grips cables in the removal trough, transports them to the cable tray, and releases them automatically, enabling the system to service itself and eliminating downtime caused by manual batch removal acknowledgment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of removing and acknowledging cable batches is replaced by an automated robotic system with gripper arms. The handling robot uses mechanical gripping mechanisms to automatically transport cables from the removal trough to the cable tray, substituting human labor and eliminating operational interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated handling with gripper arm is implemented, then continuous operation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of handling robot system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handling robot with multiple gripper arms is designed to perform multiple functions: removing finished cables from the removal trough, transporting them to the cable tray, and potentially loading new cables into the processing machine. This multi-functional design consolidates several operations into a single automated system, managing complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable tray serves as an intermediary storage element between the removal trough and the final destination. The handling robot uses this intermediate structure to temporarily hold cables during the automated transfer process, facilitating continuous operation without requiring direct point-to-point transport that would increase system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3827484B1Cable processing machine device and method for removing cables from a removal trough of a cable processing machine

Publication Date: 2023.08.30 KOMAX HOLDING

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AI summary

Disclosed is a cable processing machine apparatus (1) comprising a cable processing machine (5) for processing a cable (15), in particular a crimping machine for connecting a cable (15) to a crimp contact by means of a crimping connection, and a handling robot (30) which includes a gripping arm (55) for gripping a portion of the cable (15) or of multiple cables (15) and moving the cable (15) or cables (15) into the cable processing machine (5) and/or out of the cable processing machine (5).