Connector assembly system and related method

Abstract

A connector assembly system includes a first connector, a second connector, and a sensor system. The first connector has a feature. The second connector is configured to mate with the first connector and has a window. The sensor system is configured to capture a characteristic of the feature through the window, compare a value of the characteristic to a predetermined value of the characteristic, and determine a state of the first connector relative to the second connector based on the comparison of the characteristic value to the predetermined value.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 623,974, filed on January 23, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly system, and more particularly, to an automated connector assembly system configured to determine the status of a first connector relative to a second connector. Background Art

[0003] Modern vehicles (e.g., automobiles) rely on electrical wires and connections to facilitate communication between various electronic components within the vehicle. Connection systems (e.g., connector assemblies) play an important role in ensuring the integrity of these electrical connections and the reliability and performance of the vehicle. Traditional connector assembly systems use tactile feedback and secondary connector position assurance (CPA) components to ensure that the connector assembly has been fully and correctly assembled. Automated (e.g., robotic) assembly systems use a barcode or similar indicator that can only be read when the connector assembly has been fully and correctly assembled. While known connector assembly systems have proven useful for their intended purposes, there is a continuing need for improvement in the relevant art.

[0004] The background art provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. Aspects of the presently named inventors' work within the scope described in this background art section and aspects of the specification that were not otherwise considered prior art as of the filing of the application are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector assembly system. The connector assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and a sensor system. The first connector has a feature. The second connector is configured to mate with the first connector and has a window. The sensor system is configured to capture a characteristic of the feature through the window, compare a value of the characteristic with a predetermined value of the characteristic, and determine a status of the first connector relative to the second connector based on the comparison of the value of the characteristic with the predetermined value.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a connector assembly system. The connector assembly system includes a first connector, a second connector, and a sensor system. The first connector includes a body having a first color and a feature portion connected to the body and having a second color different from the first color. The second connector includes a plurality of walls defining a cavity. The cavity receives at least a portion of the body of the first connector, and a wall among the plurality of walls defines a window. The sensor system is configured to capture at least one of the first color or the second color through the window and determine a state of the first connector relative to the second connector based on at least one of the captured first color and second color.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method. The method includes connecting a first connector to a second connector. The first connector includes a feature portion, and the second connector includes a window. The method includes capturing a characteristic of the feature portion through the window via a sensor system. The method includes comparing a value of the characteristic with a predetermined value of the characteristic via the sensor system. The method includes determining a state of the first connector relative to the second connector via the sensor system based on a comparison of the value of the characteristic with the predetermined value.

[0008] Further applicable fields of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims, and the drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Description of the Drawings

[0009] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly system, showing a connector assembly in a first assembled configuration in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the connector assembly system, showing a connector assembly in a second assembled configuration in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 is a flowchart depicting an example method for operating a connector assembly system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0013] In the drawings, reference numerals may be reused to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Description Introduction

[0014] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, which shows an example connector assembly system 10. As will be explained in more detail below, the connector assembly system 10 can include a connector assembly 12 and a sensor system 14. In use, the connector assembly 12 can be installed in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile) to facilitate electrical transmission between various electronic components within the vehicle. For example, the connector assembly 12 can be detachably coupled to a mating connector assembly (not shown) such that during vehicle operation, electricity is transmitted between the connector assemblies and to various electronic components within the vehicle. Connector assembly

[0015] In various embodiments, the connector assembly 12 can include a first connector 16 and a second connector 18 that mates with the first connector 16. In various embodiments, the first connector 16 can include one or more of various shapes, sizes, configurations, and / or materials. The first connector 16 can include a body 20, at least one feature 22, and / or at least one latch 24, etc.

[0016] In some example configurations, the feature 22 can be connected to the body 20. For example, the feature 22 can be coupled to the body 20, can extend from the body 20, can be integrally formed with the body 20, and / or can be disposed within the body 20. In various embodiments, the feature 22 can include one or more of various shapes, sizes, configurations, and / or materials. In some cases, the feature 22 can include a slider member and / or a cam, etc.

[0017] In various embodiments, the first connector 16 can include one or more characteristics that are different from one or more other characteristics of the first connector 16. For example, the feature 22 can include a different color, shape, or other characteristic from one or more other portions 28 of the first connector 16 (e.g., other portions of the body 20 and / or other portions connected to the body 20). In some example configurations, the body 20 and / or other portions 28 of the first connector 16 can include a first color (e.g., black, etc.), and the feature 22 and / or the latch 24 can include a second color (e.g., white, blue, etc.) that is different from the first color. The first color can be associated with a first pixel value (e.g., 0, 0, 0 in the red, green, blue (RGB) color model), and the second color can be associated with a second pixel value (e.g., 255, 255, 255 in the red, green, blue (RGB) color model). Although the first connector 16 is generally shown and described herein as including one feature 22, the first connector 16 can include multiple features.

[0018] In various embodiments, the latch 24 can be connected to the body 20. In some example configurations, the latch 24 can extend from a sidewall 26 of the body 20. In an assembled configuration, the latch 24 can inhibit movement of the second connector 18 relative to the first connector 16. Although the first connector 16 is generally shown and described herein as including one latch 24, the first connector 16 can include more than one latch.

[0019] In various embodiments, the second connector 18 can include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and / or materials. The second connector 18 includes a plurality of walls 30 that define a cavity 32. In some examples, the cavity 32 can receive at least a portion of the first connector 16 (e.g., at least a portion of the body 20). In some example configurations, the plurality of walls 30 includes a sidewall 34 that defines at least one window 36 through which the first connector 16 can be visible when the first connector 16 is mated with the second connector 18 (e.g., see Figure 2 ).

[0020] In various embodiments, the second connector 18 can include a first window 36-1 and a second window 36-2. Both the first window 36-1 and the second window 36-2 are associated with a pixel count (e.g., 1000 pixels). In some example configurations, the first window 36-1 includes a shape corresponding to the shape of the feature 22. For example, the window can include a curved portion 38 that includes a shape (e.g., a radius) corresponding to (e.g., being substantially similar to) the shape (e.g., the radius) of the peripheral portion 40 of the feature 22.

[0021] As Figure 1 shown, when the first connector 16 is not fully seated in the second connector 18, the body 20 and / or the portion 28 of the first connector 16 can be observed through the first window 36-1 and / or the second window 36-2. Specifically, when the feature 22 is in a non-mated or partially mated state, the color (e.g., a first color) or other features of the body 20 and / or other portions 28 can be visible through the first window 36-1 and / or the second window 36-2.

[0022] Referring Figure 2 to, when the first connector 16 is fully seated in the second connector 18 (e.g., when the feature 22 is fully forward in the Z direction), the feature 22 (e.g., a second color) can be visible through the first window 36-1, and / or the latch 24 can be visible through the second window 36-2. Although the second connector 18 is generally shown and described herein as including two windows, the second connector 8 can include more or fewer than two windows. Sensor system

[0023] The sensor system 14 may include one or more cameras 42 or other sensors and a controller 44, etc. In some embodiments, the sensor system 14 includes a first camera 42-1 and a second camera 42-2. The first camera 42-1 may focus on or otherwise aim at the first window 36-1 to capture visual information (e.g., images, video feeds, etc.) associated with the first window 36-1. The second camera 42-2 may focus on or otherwise aim at the second window 36-2 to capture visual information (e.g., images, video feeds, etc.) associated with the first window 36-2. Although the sensor system 14 is generally shown and described herein as including two cameras, the sensor system 14 may include more or fewer than two cameras. Specifically, the systems and methods described herein may include a single camera (e.g., the first camera 42-1 or the second camera 42-2) or may otherwise be performed by a single camera.

[0024] In various embodiments, the controller 44 may be communicatively coupled to the first camera 42-1 and the second camera 42-2. The controller 44 may control the operation of the first camera 42-1 and the second camera 42-2 and may receive visual information captured from the first camera 42-1 and the second camera 42-2. The controller 44 may determine the status of the first connector 16 and the second connector 18 based on the visual information captured by the first camera 42-1 and the second camera 42-2.

[0025] In various embodiments, the controller 44 includes an electronic controller and / or an electronic processor, such as a programmable microprocessor and / or a microcontroller. The controller 44 may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The controller 44 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), and / or an input / output (I / O) interface. The controller 44 may perform various functions, including those described in more detail herein, through appropriate programming instructions and / or code included in software, hardware, and / or other media. The controller 44 may include multiple controllers. The controller 44 may be connected to a display, such as a touch screen.

[0026] In various embodiments, the sensor system 14 may be connected to a robot 46 having at least one arm 48. In some exemplary configurations, the first camera 42-1 and the second camera 42-2 may be connected to the arm 48. In other configurations, the first camera 42-1 and / or the second camera 42-2 may not be coupled to the robot 46. The first camera 42-1 and the second camera 42-2 may be positioned on the arm 48 and / or may be movable relative to the arm 48 to capture visual information (e.g., images, video feeds, etc.) of the connector assembly 12 from various angles. In various embodiments, the robot 46 may assemble the connector assembly 12. Operation of the Connector Assembly System

[0027] During operation of the connector assembly system 10, the first camera 42-1 can capture a first characteristic associated with the first window 36-1, and the second camera 42-2 can capture a second characteristic associated with the second window 36-2. The sensor system 14 (e.g., the controller 44) can (i) compare the first characteristic associated with the first window 36-1 with a predetermined value of the first characteristic, and (ii) compare the second characteristic associated with the second window 36-2 with a predetermined value of the second characteristic. For example, the sensor system 14 (e.g., the controller 44) can determine the number of pixels of a predetermined color (e.g., a second color associated with a second pixel value) captured by the first camera 42-1 through the first window 36-1, and the sensor system 14 can determine the number of pixels of a predetermined color (e.g., a second color associated with a second pixel value) captured by the second camera 42-2 through the second window 36-2.

[0028] The sensor system 14 (e.g., the controller 44) can compare the number of pixels of a predetermined color (e.g., a second color associated with a second pixel value) captured by the first camera 42-1 and the second camera 42-2. If the number of pixels of the predetermined color (e.g., a second color associated with a second pixel value) captured by the first camera 42-1 and the second camera 42-2 is equal to or exceeds a threshold number of pixels of the predetermined color (e.g., 800 pixels), then the sensor system 14 (e.g., the controller 44) can determine that the connector assembly 12 is fully assembled. If the number of pixels of the predetermined color captured by the first camera 42-1 and the second camera 42-2 is less than the threshold number of pixels of the predetermined color (e.g., 800 pixels), then the sensor system 14 (e.g., the controller 44) can determine that the connector assembly 12 is not fully assembled. In this way, a partially mated connector assembly 12 can be detected because when the connector assembly 12 is not fully mated, one or both of the windows 36-1, 36-2 will not show the correct pixel count of a unique feature (e.g., color), such that the connector assembly system 10 can avoid using tactile feedback and / or secondary components to ensure that the connector assembly 12 is fully mated.

[0029] In various embodiments, the second camera 42-2 can capture the presence of the latch 24 through the second window 36-2. The controller 44 can determine the state of the first connector 16 and the second connector 18 based on the presence or absence of the latch 24 through the second window 36-2. In various embodiments, when the latch 24 is visible in the second window 36-2, the state of the first connector 16 and the second connector 18 may be fully mated. When the latch 24 is not visible in the second window 36-2, the state of the first connector 16 and the second connector 18 may be not fully mated. Flowchart

[0030] Figure 3 is an example method 200 for operating a connector assembly system 10. Method 200 can start at 204. At 204, a user or robot 46 can connect a first connector 16 to a second connector 18. The first connector 16 can include a body 20 and features 22 and a latch 24 connected to the body 20. The body 20 can include a first color (e.g., black) associated with a first pixel value (e.g., 0, 0, 0 in a red, green, blue (RGB) color model). The body 22 can include a second color (e.g., white) associated with a second pixel value (e.g., 255, 255, 255 in a red, green, blue (RGB) color model). The second connector 18 includes a plurality of walls 30 that define a cavity 32. Sidewalls 34 of the plurality of walls 30 can define a first window 36-1 and a second window 36-2. The first window 36-1 and the second window 36-2 can each be associated with a pixel count (e.g., 1000 pixels). In some examples, connecting the first connector 16 to the second connector 18 can include setting at least a portion of the body 20 in the cavity 32 and moving the second connector 19 in the Z direction to bring the second connector 16 into position with the first connector 16. Method 200 can proceed to 208.

[0031] At 208, a first camera 42-1 of the sensor system 14 can capture a first characteristic (e.g., the presence of a second color) of the feature 22 through the first window 36-1, and / or a second camera 42-2 of the sensor system 14 can capture a second characteristic (e.g., the presence of the latch 24) through the second window 36-2. Method 200 can proceed to 212.

[0032] At 212, a controller 44 of the sensor system 14 can compare the value of the first characteristic (e.g., the number of pixels of a pixel count including the second pixel value) with a predetermined value of the characteristic (e.g., a threshold amount). Method 200 can proceed to 216.

[0033] At 216, the controller 44 can determine the state of the first connector 16 and the second connector 18 based on the comparison of the value of the characteristic with the predetermined value. For example, when the value of the first characteristic (e.g., the number of pixels of a pixel count including the second pixel value) exceeds the threshold amount (e.g., 800 pixels), the state of the first connector and the second connector may be a perfect match. When the value of the first characteristic (e.g., the number of pixels of a pixel count including the second pixel value) is less than the threshold amount (e.g., 800 pixels), the state of the first connector and the second connector may be an imperfect match.

[0034] In various embodiments, the controller 44 may determine an additional state of the first connector 16 and the second connector 18 based on the captured second characteristic. For example, when the latch 24 is visible in the second window 36-2, the additional state of the first connector 16 and the second connector 18 may be a perfect match. When the latch 24 is not visible in the second window 36-2, the additional state of the first connector 16 and the second connector 18 may be an imperfect match. Then the method 200 may end.

[0035] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the disclosure may be implemented in a variety of forms. Thus, while the disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. In the written description and the claims, one or more steps in a method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the disclosure. Similarly, one or more instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be executed in a different order (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, the numbering or other labeling of instructions or method steps is for convenience of reference and is not intended to indicate a fixed order.

[0036] Moreover, although each embodiment above is described as having certain features, any one or more of these features described for any embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with the features of any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and arrangements of one or more embodiments with each other are still within the scope of the disclosure.

[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be understood as necessarily requiring to be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0038] The spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., the spatial and functional relationships between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected", "joined", "coupled", "adjacent", "proximate", "next to", "on", "above", "below", and "disposed". Unless explicitly described as "direct", when the relationship between a first element and a second element is described in the above disclosure, the relationship encompasses both direct and indirect relationships. In a direct relationship, there are no other intermediate elements between the first element and the second element, while in an indirect relationship, there is one or more intermediate elements between the first element and the second element. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] The term "set" does not necessarily exclude the empty set - in other words, in some cases, a "set" may have zero elements. The term "non-empty set" can be used to denote the exclusion of the empty set - in other words, a non-empty set will always have one or more elements. The term "subset" does not necessarily require a proper subset. In other words, a "subset" of a first set can have the same scope (equal to) the first set. Additionally, the term "subset" does not necessarily exclude the empty set - in some cases, a "subset" may have zero elements.

[0040] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms used herein do not imply an order or sequence, unless explicitly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary construction.

[0041] The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted to mean the logic (A or B or C) using non-exclusive logic "or", and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C". The phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" should be interpreted to mean the logic (A or B or C) using non-exclusive logic "or".

[0042] The following technical solutions provide an exemplary construction of the connector assembly system and related methods as described above.

[0043] Technical Solution 1: A connector assembly system, comprising: a first connector having a feature portion; a second connector configured to mate with the first connector and having a window; and a sensor system configured to: capture the characteristics of the feature portion through the window; compare the value of the characteristics with a predetermined value of the characteristics; and determine the state of the first connector relative to the second connector based on the comparison between the characteristic value and the predetermined value.

[0044] Technical Solution 2: The connector assembly system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the state of the first connector relative to the second connector is a perfect match.

[0045] Technical Solution 3: The connector assembly system according to Technical Solution 1 or 2, wherein the feature portion includes one of a sliding member or a cam.

[0046] Technical Solution 4: The connector assembly system according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 3, wherein: the first connector includes a body having a first color associated with a first pixel value; and the feature portion is connected to the body and includes a second color associated with a second pixel value different from the first pixel value.

[0047] Technical Solution 5: The connector assembly system according to Technical Solution 4, wherein: the window is associated with a pixel count; the sensor system is configured to determine the number of pixels including the pixel count of the second pixel value; when the number of pixels exceeds a threshold amount, the state of the first connector relative to the second connector is a perfect match; and when the number of pixels is less than the threshold amount, the state of the first connector relative to the second connector is an imperfect match.

[0048] Technical Solution 6: The connector assembly system according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 5, wherein the window includes a shape corresponding to the shape of the feature portion.

[0049] Technical Solution 7: The connector assembly system according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 6, wherein: the second connector includes a plurality of walls defining a cavity; the first connector includes a body, and the feature portion is connected to the body; and the cavity receives at least a portion of the body.

[0050] Technical Solution 8: The connector assembly system according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 7, wherein: the first connector includes a latch; the wall of the second connector defines a window and an additional window; and the sensor system is configured to: capture the presence of the latch through the additional window; and determine an additional state of the first connector relative to the second connector based on the presence of the latch determined through the additional window.

[0051] Technical solution 9: The connector assembly system according to technical solution 8, wherein when the latch is visible in the additional window, the additional state of the first connector relative to the second connector is a perfect match.

[0052] Technical solution 10: The connector assembly system according to technical solution 8, wherein when the latch is not visible in the additional window, the additional state of the first connector relative to the second connector is an imperfect match.

[0053] Technical solution 11: The connector assembly system according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 10, wherein the sensor system includes a first camera and a second camera.

[0054] Technical solution 12: The connector assembly system according to technical solution 11, wherein: the first camera performs at least one of focusing or aiming at the window of the second connector; and the second camera performs at least one of focusing or aiming at the additional window of the second connector.

[0055] Technical solution 13: The connector assembly system according to technical solution 11, wherein at least one of the first camera or the second camera is connected to a robot.

[0056] Technical solution 14: A connector assembly system, comprising: a first connector including a body having a first color and a feature portion connected to the body and having a second color different from the first color; a second connector including a plurality of walls defining a cavity, wherein; the cavity receives at least a portion of the body of the first connector, and the walls of the plurality of walls define a window; and a sensor system configured to: capture at least one of the first color or the second color through the window; and determine the state of the first connector relative to the second connector based on at least one of the captured first color and second color.

[0057] Technical solution 15: The connector assembly system according to technical solution 14, wherein: the first color is associated with a first pixel value; the second color is associated with a second pixel value; and the window is associated with a pixel count.

[0058] Technical solution 16: The connector assembly system according to technical solution 15, wherein: the sensor system is configured to determine the number of pixels including the pixel count of the second pixel value; when the number of pixels exceeds a threshold amount, the state of the first connector relative to the second connector is a perfect match; and when the number of pixels is less than the threshold amount, the state of the first connector relative to the second connector is an imperfect match.

[0059] Technical solution 17: A connector assembly system according to any one of technical solutions 14 to 16, wherein: the first connector includes a latch connected to the second connector; a wall of the second connector defines an additional window; and the sensor system is configured to: capture the presence of the latch through the additional window; and determine an additional state of the first connector relative to the second connector based on the presence of the latch determined through the additional window.

[0060] Technical solution 18: A connector assembly system according to technical solution 17, wherein: when the latch is visible in the additional window, the additional state of the first connector relative to the second connector is a perfect match; and when the latch is not visible in the additional window, the additional state of the first connector relative to the second connector is an imperfect match.

[0061] Technical solution 19: A connector assembly system according to technical solution 17, wherein: the sensor system includes a first camera and a second camera; the first camera performs at least one of focusing or aiming at a window of the second connector; and the second camera performs at least one of focusing or aiming at the additional window of the second connector.

[0062] A method, comprising: connecting a first connector to a second connector, wherein: the first connector includes a feature, and the second connector includes a window; capturing a characteristic of the feature through the window via a sensor system; comparing a value of the characteristic with a predetermined value of the characteristic via the sensor system; and determining a state of the first connector relative to the second connector via the sensor system based on a comparison of the characteristic value with the predetermined value.

Claims

1. A connector assembly system, comprising: A first connector having a feature portion; A second connector configured to mate with the first connector and having a window; And A sensor system configured to: Capture a characteristic of the feature portion through the window; Compare a value of the characteristic with a predetermined value of the characteristic; And Determine a state of the first connector relative to the second connector based on a comparison of the characteristic value with the predetermined value.

2. The connector assembly system according to claim 1, wherein The state of the first connector relative to the second connector is a perfect match.

3. The connector assembly system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The feature portion includes one of a sliding member or a cam.

4. The connector assembly system according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector includes a body having a first color associated with a first pixel value; and The feature portion is connected to the body and includes a second color associated with a second pixel value different from the first pixel value.

5. The connector assembly system according to claim 4, wherein: The window is associated with pixel counting; The sensor system is configured to determine a number of pixels including the pixel count of the second pixel value; When the number of pixels exceeds a threshold amount, the state of the first connector relative to the second connector is a perfect match; and When the number of pixels is less than the threshold amount, the state of the first connector relative to the second connector is an imperfect match.

6. The connector assembly system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The window includes a shape corresponding to the shape of the feature portion.

7. The connector assembly system according to claim 1, wherein: The second connector includes a plurality of walls defining a cavity; The first connector includes a body and the feature portion is connected to the body; and The cavity receives at least a portion of the body.

8. The connector assembly system according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector includes a latch; Walls of the second connector define the window and an additional window; and The sensor system is configured to: Capture the presence of the latch through the additional window; And Determine an additional state of the first connector relative to the second connector based on whether the latch is present through the additional window.

9. The connector assembly system according to claim 8, wherein When the latch is visible in the additional window, the additional state of the first connector relative to the second connector is a perfect match.

10. The connector assembly system according to claim 8, wherein, When the latch is not visible in the additional window, the additional state of the first connector relative to the second connector is an imperfect match.

11. The connector assembly system according to claim 1, characterized in that The sensor system includes a first camera and a second camera.

12. The connector assembly system according to claim 11, wherein: The first camera performs at least one of focusing or aiming at the window of the second connector; and The second camera performs at least one of focusing or aiming at the additional window of the second connector.

13. The connector assembly system according to claim 11, characterized in that, At least one of the first camera or the second camera is connected to a robot.

14. A connector assembly system, comprising: A first connector, the first connector including a body having a first color and a feature portion connected to the body and having a second color different from the first color; A second connector, the second connector including a plurality of walls defining a cavity, wherein; at least a portion of the body of the first connector is received in the cavity, and the walls of the plurality of walls define a window; and A sensor system configured to: capture at least one of the first color or the second color through the window; and determine a state of the first connector relative to the second connector based on at least one of the captured first color and the second color.

15. The connector assembly system according to claim 14, wherein: the first color is associated with a first pixel value; the second color is associated with a second pixel value; and the window is associated with a pixel count.

16. The connector assembly system according to claim 15, wherein: the sensor system is configured to determine a number of pixels including the pixel count of the second pixel value; when the number of pixels exceeds a threshold amount, the state of the first connector relative to the second connector is a perfect match; and when the number of pixels is less than the threshold amount, the state of the first connector relative to the second connector is an imperfect match.

17. The connector assembly system according to claim 14, wherein: the first connector includes a latch connected to the second connector; the walls of the second connector define an additional window; and the sensor system is configured to: capture the presence of the latch through the additional window; and determine an additional state of the first connector relative to the second connector based on whether the latch is present through the additional window.

18. The connector assembly system according to claim 17, wherein: when the latch is visible in the additional window, the additional state of the first connector relative to the second connector is a perfect match; and when the latch is not visible in the additional window, the additional state of the first connector relative to the second connector is an imperfect match.

19. The connector assembly system according to claim 17, wherein: the sensor system includes a first camera and a second camera; the first camera performs at least one of focusing or aiming on the window of the second connector; and the second camera performs at least one of focusing or aiming on the additional window of the second connector.

20. A method, comprising: connecting a first connector to a second connector, wherein: the first connector includes a feature portion, and the second connector includes a window; capturing a characteristic of the feature portion through the window via a sensor system; comparing a value of the characteristic with a predetermined value of the characteristic via the sensor system; and determining a state of the first connector relative to the second connector via the sensor system based on a comparison of the value of the characteristic with the predetermined value.

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