Shielded Cable Foil Stripping Using Tensioned Radial Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing the shielding foil from shielded electric cables are non-uniform, prone to damaging the cable, and not suitable for non-circular cables, with issues of foil scraps and complex operation procedures.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and process that tension the shielding foil using positioning means and radially moving cutting means to achieve a precise, uniform cut, utilizing a combination of tensioning and axial motion to remove the foil without damaging the cable, and incorporating pressurized air for effective detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If air jet is used to remove shielding foil, then removal process is simplified, but cutting precision and uniformity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval process simplicityVSAvoidcutting precision and uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the foil removal process into distinct functional zones: a tensioning zone with V-shaped grooves that grip and tension the foil, and a cutting zone with blades that precisely sever the foil. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, achieving both ease of operation and high cutting precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs preliminary tensioning of the shielding foil through V-shaped grooves and tensioning elements before the cutting action occurs. This preliminary action stabilizes the foil in a tensioned state, ensuring uniform and precise cutting while simplifying the overall operation by automatically preparing the foil for removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If conventional foil removal methods are used, then operation is simpler, but cable damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcable damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies local quality by using V-shaped grooves with specific geometry designed to grip only the shielding foil without contacting or damaging the underlying cable structure. The grooves are positioned and shaped to concentrate force locally on the foil, enabling simple operation while protecting the cable from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The V-shaped grooves and tensioning elements act as intermediaries between the operator's action and the shielding foil. These intermediaries distribute and control the forces applied to the foil, preventing direct contact that could damage the cable while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If shielding foil is removed without tensioning, then operation is faster, but cutting uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation speedVSAvoidcutting uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary tensioning of the shielding foil through V-shaped grooves and tensioning elements before cutting occurs. This automatic preliminary action ensures uniform cutting without requiring the operator to manually tension the foil, maintaining both high productivity and cutting uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device creates a dynamic tensioning system where the V-shaped grooves and tensioning elements automatically adjust to grip and tension the foil as it passes through. This dynamic action ensures consistent foil tension during cutting, achieving uniform cuts while maintaining operational speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enables precise, uniform removal of the shielding foil with reduced risk of damage, suitable for various cable types, including non-circular ones, and minimizes waste, improving operational simplicity and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pressurised air source adapted to deliver pressurised air towards the end portion, such that the pressurised air exerts a force on the end portion of the shielding foil to push it towards the cutting surface of the cutting means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurized air jet: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP4340144A1Apparatus and process for removing an end portion of the shielding foil of a shielded electric cable
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 CURTI COSTR MECCANICHE SPA
  • EP4340144A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B
  • EP4340144A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4340144A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An apparatus (10) for removing an end portion (3a) of the shielding foil (3) of a shielded electric cable (1) is described, wherein an end portion (1a) of said cable (1) has at least one shielding foil (3) which covers at least one conductor (2, 20) equipped with a covering layer (5, 50), wherein at least one end portion (3a) of said shielding foil (3) is exposed. The apparatus (10) comprises positioning means (14, 15) for positioning said shielding foil (3) of said at least one conductor (2, 20) in at least one tensioning position, moving means (9a) adapted to operate a relative tensioning motion between said positioning means (14, 15) and said cable (1) to cause the tensioning of said end portion (3a) of the shielding foil (3), cutting means (8a, 8b) provided with a cutting surface (81a, 81b); and moving means (19) configured to move said cutting means (8a, 8b) with respect to said foil to a tensioning position, preferably at least along a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) of said cable (1), to carry out the cutting of the foil.