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US 2018/0134514 A1Published application
Rotational wire transport for automated wire processing system and methods
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorJohn Porter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for a rotational wire transport. In certain examples, the rotational wire transport may be a part of a wire processing system. The rotational wire transport may include a winding spool, a linear actuator, a cam, and a gripping tab. The rotational wire transport may be configured to wind wire into a coil and move between a plurality of different stations within the wire processing system.
Claims20
An apparatus comprising:
- a winding spool comprising a first spool surface and a spool body protruding from the first spool surface and configured to rotate around a first axis;
- a linear actuator coupled to the spool body and configured to move between at least a retracted position and an extended position;
- a cam coupled to the linear actuator, and configured to receive a user input to rotate between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the engaged position is configured to move the linear actuator to the extended position and the disengaged position is configured to move the linear actuator to the retracted position;
- and
- a gripping tab disposed on the first spool surface, comprising a gripping surface, and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position is configured to grip a wire between the gripping surface and the first spool surface.
2 more elements
A method comprising:
- moving a gripping tab to an open position;
- engaging a cam coupled to a winding spool;
- providing wire to the winding spool;
- moving the gripping tab to a closed position;
- rotating the winding spool around a first axis;
- disengaging the cam;
- and
- moving the gripping tab to the open position.
5 more elements
A method comprising:
- disposing a linear actuator within a spool cavity of a winding spool, wherein the linear actuator is configured to move between at least a retracted position and an extended position;
- disposing a cam within a body cavity of the winding spool, wherein the cam is configured to receive a user input to rotate between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the engaged position is configured to move the linear actuator to the extended position and the disengaged position is configured to move the linear actuator to the retracted position;
- and
- coupling a gripping tab to a first spool surface of the winding spool, wherein the gripping tab is comprised of a gripping surface, and is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position is configured to grip a wire between the gripping surface and the first spool surface.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.