Machine Safety - Optical Cable Protection and Wire Management
While at summit polymers I was given the task looking into durability issues with out Keyence optical sensors. the sensors are surrounded by the assembly for clip drivers so they are entirely out of the way of an operators reach, but they were having issues with the sensors continually getting broken at the sensor head. I was able to determine the issue came from the cables being pulled accidentally from the bottom of the machines due to cables that were not properly managed. I came up with the solution of using 3d printed mountable clips that could hold cables in place and easily be removed and replaced if needed.
After the porotype was shown I was tasked with modifying it to make if more efficient as well as come up with other cable management tools in order to aid in keeping machines wires more organized to prevent machine downtime while not making it to hard to repair. This is still the beginning of the project but these designs are already being implemented on to future machines
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Version 1
Clips meant to keep cable pairs together, works as an easy snap fit with no ties or bands necessary. multiple hole sizes included for different gauges.
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Version 2
slightly modified design with mountable with 5M screw so it can be mounted to the bottom of the machine.
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Version 3
I was asked by the Engineers to make a version but with extended row of holes for machines with a larger number of optical sensors. This is the version currently being used on the machines
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Clip Version
The newest iteration is making a version with a ‘print in place’ axle hinge. the hinge is then held in place with a 5M screw that also acts as the mount to the bottom of the machine. This design puts less stress on the cables, is more secure and takes up less space than previous versions.
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Clip open
This Design also has the advantage of putting less fatigue on the part like a living hinge would. the disadvantage is its difficult to work out printer tolerances. while I have been able to print these on my own personal printer they have yet to recreate it at our work printers. so i am working with them on making adjustments to get it to work properly
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Print In Place In Progress
as you can see, both parts are printed at the same time, but the assembly is made so that the two parts never com in contact with each other during the printing prosses so they remain separate and can move once the print is done.
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