Wire Rope Peeling Wheel Geometry to Prevent Jamming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire rope cutting technologies face issues such as incomplete removal of the outer section, jamming, low throughput speed, and difficulty in handling and transporting the cut pieces, particularly when dealing with wire ropes used in high-voltage power lines.

Innovation Solution

A cutting device with a concave cutting profile on the cutting wheel, transverse to the mandrel's axis, adapted to the mandrel's shape, ensures efficient separation of the outer section, reducing jamming and enabling higher throughput rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a cutting wheel with rotational axis parallel to the feed axis is used, then precise segmentation of the outer section is achieved, but the feed speed is limited and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesegmentation precisionVSAvoidfeed speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by setting the cutting wheel's rotational axis perpendicular to the feed axis instead of parallel. This inversion allows the cutting knives to engage the outer section from the side, enabling higher feed speeds while maintaining effective cutting through the concave profile design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting wheel is designed with a concave cutting profile that curves to match the outer surface of the mandrel. This curved geometry allows the cutting knives to follow the contour of the outer section, ensuring complete removal while accommodating higher rotational speeds and feed rates without compromising cutting effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If a cutting wheel with rotational axis perpendicular to the feed axis is used, then higher throughput speeds are achieved, but the cutting wheel can become jammed by uncut outer section parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput speedVSAvoidjamming risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The concave cutting profile of the cutting wheel is specifically designed to match the curvature of the mandrel's outer surface. This ensures that the cutting knives can effectively engage and remove the outer section even at high speeds, preventing the wheel from becoming jammed by uncut portions that would otherwise be pushed away by the mandrel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cutting wheel by introducing a concave profile with specific radius of curvature that matches the mandrel. This parameter adjustment allows the cutting edge to maintain optimal contact with the outer section throughout the cutting arc, preventing jamming while enabling higher throughput speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple cutting wheels with precisely adjusted concave profiles are used, then complete circumferential cutting is achieved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting completenessVSAvoidadjustment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting wheel is designed with a universal concave profile that can effectively cut the outer section at various positions around the mandrel. This single multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple precisely adjusted cutting wheels, reducing device complexity while maintaining complete circumferential cutting capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using multiple cutting wheels arranged in one dimension requiring precise alignment, the patent uses a single cutting wheel with a concave profile that extends in another dimension (radially outward from the mandrel surface). This dimensional change allows one wheel to perform the work of multiple wheels, simplifying the overall device structure.

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

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 device achieves efficient separation of the outer section into shorter pieces, reducing jamming risks and increasing productivity, allowing for faster processing and easier handling of the cut materials.

Implementation Method 1

at least one rotatable cutting wheel is provided next to the mandrel, which has at least one knife on its circumference and whose axis of rotation is substantially transverse to the guide axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP4035187B1Device for disassembling stranded wires
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 ZECK HLDG GMBH
  • EP4035187B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4035187B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4035187B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus for unravelling wire ropes (3), which are made up of a complex of different materials, having a peeling device (1) with an opening (5), through which a core (9) of the wire rope (3) passes along a through-feed axis (D) and a through-feed direction (Z), while an outer portion (10) is separated, said peeling device (1) comprising a mandrel (4) through which the opening (5) passes axially, with at least one rotatable cutting wheel (12) being provided next to the mandrel (4), which wheel has on the circumference thereof at least one blade (13) and the axis of rotation (R) of which wheel is substantially transverse to the through-feed axis (D), characterized in that a cutting profile (6) of the blade (13) or a common cutting profile (6) of the blades (13) is concave in form.