Rotating Lead Wire Straightening for Compact Claw Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lead wire straightening devices require a larger size to accommodate the up-down movement of the lead wire clamper, which limits miniaturization due to the need for space to straighten the lead wire up to its proximal end.

Innovation Solution

A lead wire straightening device with a holding section and a straightening unit that rotates around a central axis, using first and second claw sections that can move towards or away from each other, allowing the lead wire to be clamped and straightened by changing the relative positions of the claw sections, eliminating the need for upward and downward movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the lead wire clamper is advanced and retreated in an up-down direction to straighten the lead wire up to the proximal end section, then the lead wire can be fully straightened, but the device size increases due to the space required for the clamper's movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelead wire straightening qualityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the movement dimension of the straightening claws from vertical (up-down) to rotational (around a central axis). The holding section and straightening unit rotate relative to each other, allowing the claws to approach the proximal end of the lead wire along a circular path rather than requiring linear vertical travel. This dimensional change eliminates the need for large vertical clearance while achieving the same straightening effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the straightening claws vertically to reach the proximal end, the invention inverts the approach by rotating the holding section and straightening unit around a central axis. The claws move horizontally in a rotational manner to achieve the same straightening objective, fundamentally reversing the traditional vertical movement paradigm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If the lead wire clamper moves extensively in the up-down direction to straighten the lead wire, then complete straightening is achieved, but the risk of lead wire breakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelead wire straightening completenessVSAvoidlead wire integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational movement around a central axis provides a more gradual and controlled approach to the lead wire's proximal end compared to vertical movement. This reduces sudden stress concentrations and minimizes the risk of lead wire breakage while achieving complete straightening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs dynamic rotational movement of the holding section and straightening unit, allowing for controlled, progressive straightening of the lead wire. This dynamic approach enables better control over the straightening force applied, reducing the risk of excessive stress and lead wire breakage compared to rigid vertical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the lead wire clamper is designed to move vertically to straighten the lead wire, then the straightening function is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the advancing and retreating cylinder mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelead wire straightening capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the traditional vertical linear movement mechanism by implementing rotational movement around a central axis. This fundamental reversal simplifies the overall mechanism by eliminating the need for complex vertical advancing and retreating cylinders, replacing them with a more straightforward rotational drive system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotational movement mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the straightening claws, provides the straightening force, and controls the clamping action. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate vertical movement mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3616805B1Lead wire straightening device

Publication Date: 2023.12.20 FUJI CORP

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AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide a lead wire straightening device capable of miniaturizing the device. A control device disposes a lead wire of a lead component that is held by a holding section between a first claw section and a second claw section. The control device causes an opening/closing driving section of a straightening unit to clamp and straighten the lead wire by the first and second claw sections. After the lead wire is clamped, the control device causes a driving section to rotate at least one of the holding section and the straightening unit to thereby change positions of the first and second claw sections relative to the lead wire. Then, after changing the positions of the first and second claw sections relative to the lead wire, the control device causes the first and second claw sections to clamp the led wire again to straighten the lead wire.