Shielded Conductor Gripping Seal for Faster Laser Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing devices for shielded conductors face challenges in achieving high cycle rates due to the mechanical limitations of separate systems for conductor positioning and laser radiation protection, leading to increased space requirements and longer processing times.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing device with a gripping device that combines conductor positioning and sealing functions, using a projection portion to form a labyrinth seal and prevent laser radiation leakage, allowing for dynamic operation without direct contact between the gripping device and processing chamber housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective hood is placed over the laser processing device to prevent laser radiation leakage, then safety is improved, but the device requires more space and has longer cycle times
Solution Approach 1:
The protective housing is segmented into a stationary housing and a movable mounting housing that can be independently positioned. The mounting housing with its opening allows the cable to be accessible to the laser while the stationary housing provides protective enclosure, enabling safety without requiring a completely enclosed protective hood that would limit access and increase cycle time
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting housing is made movable relative to the stationary housing, allowing dynamic adjustment of the opening position. This enables the system to transition between protected and accessible states during operation, improving cycle time by allowing faster access compared to a fixed protective hood design
2Reliability
If a protective hood is placed over the laser processing device to prevent laser radiation leakage, then safety is improved, but the device requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The protective housing is divided into a stationary housing and a movable mounting housing. This segmentation allows the protective function to be distributed - the stationary housing provides enclosure where needed while the mounting housing with its opening provides access, reducing the overall space required compared to a complete protective hood enclosure
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the mounting housing extracts the cable access region from the protected enclosure. This allows the cable end to be accessible to the laser outside the protected volume, reducing the space required for the protective housing while maintaining safety for the laser processing components
3Manufacturing precision
If the cable is positioned very precisely relative to the passage to enable laser processing, then processing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting housing combines multiple functions - it holds the cable, provides the opening for laser access, and enables positioning. By merging these functions into a single component rather than requiring separate positioning mechanisms, the device complexity is reduced while maintaining the ability to achieve precise cable positioning relative to the passage
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting housing serves multiple purposes: it supports the cable, creates the opening for laser access, and facilitates positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated positioning components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining processing precision
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
This combination enables faster cycle times and reduced space and material usage by integrating positioning and protective functions, while ensuring reliable prevention of hazardous laser radiation escape.
Implementation Method 1
A gripping device is configured to fix the shielded conductor in the opening in the processing position of the laser processing device. The gripping device includes a first projection portion which extends at least partially into the opening along the insertion axis
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing device for processing shielded conductors includes a processing chamber configured to process an end portion of a shielded conductor disposed therein using laser radiation. The processing chamber has a housing defining an opening. In a processing position of the laser processing device, the end portion of the shielded conductor is inserted along an insertion axis into the opening and extends into the processing chamber. A gripping device is configured to fix the shielded conductor in the opening in the processing position of the laser processing device. In the processing position of the laser processing device, the gripping device is positioned at the housing without contact therebetween. The gripping device includes a first projection portion which extends at least partially into the opening along the insertion axis in the processing position of the laser processing device.