Tiltable Cable Stacker Platform for Ergonomic Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable collection devices require operators to bend down and reach difficult-to-access areas for cable removal, increasing ergonomic strain and design complexity, while also posing safety risks and requiring additional equipment and parts.

Innovation Solution

A cable collecting device with a tiltable platform and separate receiving and removal areas, actuated by an actuator, allowing for ergonomic cable access without stopping production, and featuring holding means to prevent cables from falling, thus ensuring operator safety and reducing equipment costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cables are collected on a temporary tray and tilted down into a separate removal channel, then cable collection function is achieved, but operator ergonomics deteriorate due to constant bending down to reach near-ground area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable removal ergonomicsVSAvoidvertical staggering design
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the receiving area and removal area into a single platform structure, eliminating the need for a separate removal channel. The platform serves dual functions: receiving cables during processing and removing them when tilted, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while improving operator ergonomics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of arranging the removal channel vertically below the platform (vertical dimension), the invention uses the horizontal tilting motion of the platform to transfer cables from the receiving area to the removal area. This transforms a vertical stacking problem into a horizontal motion solution, reducing design complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If a separate removal channel is arranged below the temporary storage facility, then cable removal is enabled, but design effort increases due to required vertical staggering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidvertical staggering arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temporary storage facility and removal channel into a single integrated platform with distinct receiving and removal areas. This eliminates the need for separate vertical arrangements and complex staggering, simplifying both design and manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the platform is tilted down for cable removal, then cables can be accessed, but cables may fall off without holding means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable accessibilityVSAvoidcable retention safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies holding means specifically in the removal area of the platform where cables are most likely to fall during tilting. This localized application of retention features provides targeted safety without interfering with cable reception or overall platform functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Device complexity

If the platform serves both receiving and removal functions, then device complexity is reduced, but cable retention during tilting becomes critical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparts reductionVSAvoidcable retention during tilting
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements holding means specifically in the removal area to address cable retention concerns during tilting. This localized solution maintains the simplicity of the integrated platform design while providing necessary safety for cable retention during the removal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables ergonomic and safe cable removal at an optimal height, maintaining continuous production, and simplifies design with reduced parts and costs, ensuring operator safety and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

When a certain number of cables are collected on the temporary tray, the tray is tilted down so that the cables slide down from the tray

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The additional holding means in the removal area prevents the lines from falling off the platform when it is tilted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical support: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2777103B1Cable-gathering device (wire stacker)
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 SCHLEUNIGER HOLDING AG
  • EP2777103B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2777103B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2777103B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cable-gathering device (wire stacker) (12) for processing electrical or optical lines (8), such as wires, cables, line bundles, and optical fibers, comprising a platform (2) that can be tilted downward, which platform has an accommodating region (2a) for accommodating one or more lines (8) after a processing step, characterized in that the platform (2) has a removal region (2b) adjacent to the accommodating region (2a). Lines (8) located in the accommodating region (2a) can be brought into the removal region (2b) by tilting the platform (2) downward, the lines (8) can be removed from the removal region, and the lines (8) are retained in the removal region (2b) by retaining means (2d) in the tipped position of the platform (2).