Wire Twisting Mechanism With Synchronized Length Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing central twisting machines for wires are limited by height and length restrictions, are complex, and do not provide balanced forces during twisting, leading to wire shortening and instability.

Innovation Solution

A twisting apparatus and method where the second holder and twisting unit move relative to the first holder in the same direction, preferably horizontally, synchronized by a gear mechanism, to compensate for length reduction and improve force balance during twisting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wires are twisted on central twisting machines, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but wire length is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic compatibilityVSAvoidwire length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the holders movable rather than fixed. The first holder can move along the wire's longitudinal axis to compensate for length reduction during twisting. This dynamic adjustment allows the twisting operation to proceed while maintaining the required wire length, resolving the contradiction between achieving electromagnetic compatibility through twisting and preserving wire length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If vertical motion of twisting head is used to compensate for wire shortening, then wire length is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire lengthVSAvoidmachine complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the twisting system into separate functional components: a first holder for securing the wire end, a second holder for gripping the wire during twisting, and a twisting unit. The first holder is independently movable along the longitudinal axis, allowing it to compensate for wire shortening without requiring complex vertical motion mechanisms. This segmentation simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining wire length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of moving object

If vertical motion mechanism is added for length compensation, then wire length is maintained, but height limitation is imposed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire lengthVSAvoidheight limitation
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using vertical motion (one-dimensional solution) to compensate for wire shortening, the patent moves the first holder along the wire's longitudinal axis (another dimension). This dimensional change allows for length compensation without imposing height limitations on the twisting head, as the motion occurs horizontally along the wire rather than vertically within a limited space.

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

4Reliability

If gripping mechanism rotates to twist wires, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but balanced force is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic compatibilityVSAvoidforce balance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the counterweight principle by positioning the movable first holder to balance the forces during twisting. As the second holder grips and the twisting unit rotates the wire, the first holder moves along the longitudinal axis to counterbalance the tension and compression forces, providing force balance that stabilizes the twisting operation and improves electromagnetic compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 apparatus efficiently compensates for wire length reduction, enhances twisting stability, and allows for ergonomic and automated unloading, while being cost-effective and simplified compared to prior art.

Implementation Method 1

the motion of the second holder and the twisting unit are coupled by a gear mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP4219041B1Apparatus and method for twisting wires
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4219041B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4219041B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4219041B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus for twisting an elongate element such as a wire or cable, comprising a) a first holder adapted to hold a first portion of the element; b) a second holder adapted to hold a second portion of the element; c) a twisting unit adapted to twist the element at a third portion between the first and the second portion; wherein the twisting unit and the second holder are adapted to be movable relative to the first holder in the same direction.