Sequential Cable Twisting With a Defined Rotation Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable processing machines are inefficient in producing twisted or stranded cable groups in a predetermined sequence, as they are optimized for large quantities and fixed batch sizes, making it difficult to economically produce identical twisted cable groups with a clearly defined rotation point, especially when dealing with looped cables.
Innovation Solution
A cable processing machine equipped with a control unit, cable tip processing system, handling system, and twisting station that allows for the flexible production of twisted cable groups by moving looped cables through a transport unit, handling gripper, and twisting station to create looped twisted cable groups in a predefined sequence, enabling continuous production and reduced production time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cables are processed in loop form in conventional machines, then the machine can handle cable flexibility, but twisting with a clearly defined rotation point cannot be realized economically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the twisting station with rotation point mechanism) between the cable processing system and the final product. This intermediary enables the cable loop to be converted into a twisted cable group with a clearly defined rotation point, resolving the contradiction between economic feasibility and manufacturing precision by adding a specialized intermediate processing step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cable processing into distinct functional modules: cable feeding, loop formation, twisting with defined rotation point, and output. By separating the twisting operation into an independent station with specialized functionality, the system achieves both economic efficiency and precise rotation point control that cannot be accomplished in integrated conventional machines.
2Productivity
If machines are optimized for large quantities and fixed batch sizes, then production efficiency increases, but flexibility to produce different cable groups in predefined sequences decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the cable processing machine can adapt its production parameters in real-time. The control system allows switching between different cable groups, lengths, and twisting parameters without requiring complete machine reconfiguration, enabling both high productivity through continuous operation and flexibility for different production requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal cable processing machine that can handle multiple cable types, lengths, and twisting configurations through a single integrated system. The machine incorporates universal components (such as adjustable cable guides, variable speed drives, and programmable control) that enable it to produce different cable groups in predefined sequences while maintaining high production efficiency.
3Speed
If continuous rotation from one end to the other is implemented, then cable processing speed increases, but the reversal point of the loop would have to be displaced from one end to the other
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to reverse the cable loop in place, the patent inverts the approach by introducing a dedicated twisting station that receives the cable loop and performs the rotation/twisting operation at a fixed location. This allows continuous cable feed at high speed while the complex reversal and rotation operations are handled by specialized equipment, separating the high-speed transport function from the complex manipulation function.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable processing machine produces a predefined sequence of twisted cable groups. The cable processing machine has a control unit, a cable tip processing system for processing a cable, a handling system, and a twisting station.