Wire Bundle Cutting Device with Integrated Collection Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting devices for wire bundle ends in electric motor production face challenges in reliably cutting to a specified length without wire chips falling into the stator, especially in limited spaces.

Innovation Solution

A cutting device with a base body having chambers and slidably mounted cutting elements with blades and covers, forming a closed collecting space for cut wire pieces, allowing safe storage until the cutting element returns to its starting position, and featuring modular design for efficient operation in confined spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pliers or conventional cutting devices are used to cut wire bundle ends, then cutting can be performed, but wire fragments may fall into the stator and cutting reliability in confined spaces is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting reliabilityVSAvoidwire fragments falling into stator
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potentially harmful loose wire fragments into contained debris by designing a collection chamber that captures and retains cut wire pieces. The chamber transforms the harm of falling fragments into a controlled collection system where fragments are safely stored and can be removed together with the cutting element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting element incorporates a cover that forms a flexible or removable closure for the collection chamber. This cover can be moved to open or close the chamber, allowing wire fragments to be contained during cutting and then discharged when needed, providing a simple yet effective containment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple wire bundle ends are cut separately, then cutting precision can be maintained, but production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple cutting operations into a single action by providing a base body with multiple chambers and cutting elements that can simultaneously cut several wire bundle ends. The chambers are arranged to receive multiple wire bundles, and a single actuation of the cutting elements performs all cuts at once, maintaining precision while dramatically reducing production time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting device is segmented into multiple independent chambers, each capable of receiving and cutting a wire bundle end. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple wire bundles while maintaining the precision of individual cutting operations, as each chamber functions independently with its own cutting element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a closed collection chamber is formed to prevent wire fragments from falling, then wire fragment containment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire fragment containmentVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting element serves multiple functions: it performs the cutting action and simultaneously forms the collection chamber with its cover. The cover that closes the chamber is integrated into the cutting element itself, eliminating the need for separate containment structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective wire fragment containment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If cutting is performed in confined spaces, then access to stator terminals is achieved, but cutting reliability and safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to stator terminalsVSAvoidcutting safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collection chamber is nested within the base body, and the cover is integrated into the cutting element which moves within the chamber. This nested structure allows the entire cutting and containment system to be compact, enabling operation in confined spaces around stator terminals while maintaining safety through the contained collection chamber that prevents wire fragments from scattering in the confined area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3382865B1Cutting device for cutting off the ends of wire bundles and method for manufacturing a stator
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 AUDI AG
  • EP3382865B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a cutting device (100) for cutting wire bundle ends (200) comprising: - a base body (110a, 110b, 110c) having at least one chamber (111) for receiving a wire bundle end (200); and - at least one cutting element slidably mounted on the base body (110a, 110b, 110c), comprising a blade (121) and a cover (122); wherein the chamber (111), the blade (121), and the cover (122) form a closed collection chamber when the wire bundle end (200) is cut. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a stator using this cutting device (100).