Cable insertion verification

Abstract

The invention relates to cable insertion verification. A method for cable insertion verification includes receiving, at an insertion verification system, a vibration signal from a vibration sensor. The vibration signal represents vibration caused by insertion of a cable into a cable cavity of the cable connector housing. The vibration signal is input to an insertion verification model that is trained to assess whether the input vibration signal coincides with the correct cable insertion. The insertion verification model outputs an indication that the vibration signal is consistent with the correct insertion of the cable into the cable cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the construction of cable connectors and, more particularly, to computer evaluation of vibration signals to verify proper cable insertion into a connector housing. Background Art

[0002] Various types of cable connectors are commonly used to conductively (or optically) couple one cable to another cable and / or couple a cable to an electronic device to transmit data and / or power. In some examples, such cable connectors include one or more cables inserted into corresponding cable cavities of a connector housing. The size and shape of the connector housing and the number and distribution of cable cavities included in the connector housing can vary from scenario to scenario depending on the purpose of the cable connector. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This summary is not an extensive overview of the specification. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the specification, nor is it intended to delineate any scope specific to the embodiments of the specification or any scope of the claims. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the specification in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description presented in this disclosure.

[0004] A method for cable insertion verification includes receiving a vibration signal from a vibration sensor at an insertion verification system. The vibration signal represents vibrations caused by inserting a cable into a cable cavity of a cable connector housing. The vibration signal is input into an insertion verification model trained to evaluate whether the input vibration signal is consistent with proper cable insertion. The insertion verification model outputs an indication that the vibration signal is consistent with proper cable insertion into the cable cavity.

[0005] The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yet other embodiments further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 An exemplary cable connector including a cable connector housing and a cable is schematically shown.

[0007] Figure 2 An example method for cable insertion verification is shown.

[0008] Figure 3 Inserting a cable into a cable connector housing using a cable insertion tool is schematically illustrated, the cable insertion tool including a vibration sensor.

[0009] Figures 4A to 4C Cable insertion verification based on vibration signals is schematically illustrated.

[0010] Figures 5A to 5C Insertion of a cable into a cable cavity of a cable connector housing is schematically illustrated.

[0011] Figure 6 The use of a fixing device to hold a cable connector housing in place is schematically shown, the fixing device including a vibration sensor.

[0012] Figure 7 An example computing system is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The construction of a cable connector typically involves one or more steps in which individual cables are inserted into the cable cavity of the connector housing. Such insertion can be done manually (such as by a human worker) and / or automatically (such as via a suitable mechanical or robotic insertion system). However, in either case, cable insertion can be inconsistent and prone to errors. Furthermore, manual inspection of the connector housing during manufacturing can be tedious and time-consuming, and cable insertion errors may not always be detected.

[0014] For example, during the assembly process, the cable must typically be fully inserted into the connector housing to hold the cable securely in place within the connector housing and provide a stable connection to any electronic components, other cables / connectors, etc. to which the cable is connected via the cable connector. However, due to the physical properties of the wires and housing and the variability associated with manual assembly, it can be difficult to consistently achieve full insertion. Furthermore, inadequate insertion may not be readily apparent, especially when the cable is only slightly short of full insertion. This situation may result in incomplete electrical (and / or optical) connections, potentially leading to downstream errors or failures caused by intermittent signal transmission.

[0015] Thus, the present disclosure relates to an insertion verification system for monitoring the insertion of a cable into a cable connector housing and automatically assessing whether such a cable is correctly inserted. This may include, for example, determining whether the cable is inserted far enough into the cable cavity (e.g., far enough to engage a retaining mechanism), and / or determining whether the correct type of cable contact (e.g., shape, size) is inserted into the cable cavity. Upon detecting a correct insertion, the system may output a correct insertion indication to a human worker and / or an automated assembly system. For example, the insertion verification system may illuminate an indicator light, play an audio alarm, provide tactile feedback, output a computer-readable indication, etc., to confirm correct cable insertion.

[0016] Specifically, the technology described herein uses vibration analysis and machine learning to detect the correct insertion of a cable into a cable connector housing. When the cable is inserted into the connector housing, the interaction between the cable and the cable cavity causes vibration. The vibration is captured by a vibration sensor and provided to an insertion verification model. As an example, the vibration sensor can be integrated into a cable insertion tool for the insertion process and / or a fixture that holds the connector housing in place. The captured vibration is converted into an electrical vibration signal, which is then analyzed by the insertion verification model. The model is trained based on multiple training examples (e.g., vibration signals marked as corresponding to correct insertion or incorrect insertion) to evaluate whether the input vibration signal provided during reasoning is consistent with the correct cable insertion. Based on the output of the model, the system can provide an indication of the correct cable insertion. In this way, the present disclosure advantageously provides an accurate and automated solution to verify the correct insertion of the cable, which reduces the risk of connection failure due to insufficient insertion and reduces the manpower associated with manual insertion verification.

[0017] Relative to Figure 1 Schematically illustrating cable insertion into a connector housing, an exemplary cable connector 100 is shown. The cable connector includes a connector housing 102 that includes a plurality of cable cavities into which cables may be inserted during assembly of the cable connector. Figure 1 The cable cavity 104 is marked in the middle. Figure 1 Depicted are two different cables 106A and 106B. Cable 106A has been fully inserted into the connector housing. However, cable 106B is not fully inserted into the connector housing. Due to the incomplete insertion of the cables, a portion of the cable contact 108 attached to cable 106B is visible.

[0018] It should be understood that for the purpose of explanation, Figure 1 The specific components shown and other components described herein Figures 2 to 7 Highly simplified. Figures 1 to 7 The sizes, shapes and specific appearances of the components shown are non-limiting and are not drawn to scale. Furthermore, it should be understood that Figures 1 to 7 The components depicted in the drawings can be constructed of any suitable material. For example, as non-limiting examples, the connector housings, housing retainers, cables, cable contacts, and other components described herein can be constructed of any suitable combination of plastic and / or metal.

[0019] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, two different cables are shown, but it should be understood that any suitable number of different cables can be inserted into the connector housing. For example, the number of cables inserted can be equal to or less than the number of cable cavities in the connector housing. In other words, it should be understood that Figure 1The specific configuration depicted in is non-limiting, and the techniques described herein may be applicable to cable connectors and / or electronic devices such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) for connecting any suitable number of cables to each other.

[0020] The present disclosure focuses primarily on conductive cables for transmitting power and / or data. However, in some examples, the cable connectors described herein can be used with cables that are not conductive but include other suitable transmission media, such as fiber optic cables.

[0021] As used herein, "cable" includes a length of material (e.g., copper wire, optical fiber) used to transmit data and / or power, typically coated with a protective material (e.g., plastic or rubber insulation, ground shield). In other words, the term "cable" may be used to refer not only to the conductive (e.g., copper) or non-conductive (e.g., optical fiber) core of the cable, but may also refer to any coatings, insulation, and / or shielding applied to the core.

[0022] A "cable" comprises one or more different cables. In the case where the cable comprises only one cable, the terms "cable" and "cable" can be used interchangeably. However, in some examples, a cable comprises two or more cables bundled together. For example, in some embodiments, the cable is a multi-conductor cable comprising two or more cables, for example, different conductive copper wires each coated in their own respective insulating cable jacket, and also bundled together in additional insulation and / or shielding to form a multi-conductor cable. In some embodiments, the cable is a shielded twisted pair cable, wherein the different cables comprise conductors that are twisted together and protected by an insulating jacket. The twisted pairs themselves are bundled together and surrounded by additional shielding and / or insulation to form a shielded twisted pair cable. In the case where the cable comprises two or more different cables, the different cables can each be inserted into different cable cavities of the connector housing.

[0023] Typically, there will be a correspondence between different specific cables and the cable cavities into which the cables are inserted. For example, different specific cables may have different purposes (e.g., carrying power, carrying data, completing a ground connection) and, therefore, may be inserted into different specific cable cavities so that a final cable connector can be used to couple the cables to the correct downstream components (e.g., ground points, input / output lines, power inlets). In some cases, the different cables have different distinguishable appearances—for example, the cables may have different sizes (e.g., gauges), may use different colors or types of insulation / protective jackets, may use different materials for the cable core (e.g., different conductive metals or non-conductive materials), and / or may differ in any other suitable manner.

[0024] exist Figure 1In some embodiments, the conductive cable contact 108 is attached to the end of the cable 106B. However, in general, the end of the cable can be processed in any suitable manner. For example, in some examples, the conductive contact can be attached to the end of the cable, wherein such contact can have any suitable size and shape. In some cases, different types of conductive contacts can be attached to different cables (the different cables are inserted into the same connector housing). In some examples, the cable does not need to include a conductive contact. On the contrary, for example, the cable can terminate with an exposed length of the cable core or in any other suitable manner.

[0025] Each cable cavity of the connector housing is sized and shaped to accommodate cables. As shown, cables 106A and 106B are already inserted into the corresponding cable cavities of the connector housing. The cable cavities can have any suitable size based on the size of the cables to be inserted into the cable cavities. In some examples, the same connector housing can include different cable cavity sizes intended for inserting cables of different sizes (e.g., different wire gauges).

[0026] In some cases, the cable cavity is sized to accommodate an insulating jacket (e.g., copper wire or fiber optic material) surrounding the core of the cable so that a length of insulated cable is inserted into the connector housing. In other examples, the insulating jacket can be trimmed so that only the cable core is inserted into the connector housing.

[0027] A cable of any suitable length may be inserted into the connector housing. Typically, the cable is inserted far enough into the connector housing to enable data and / or power to be transmitted between the cable and any components coupled to the connector housing (e.g., other cables and / or electronic devices). Additionally or alternatively, the cable may be inserted far enough so that a retention mechanism within the connector housing holds the cable in place.

[0028] However, as mentioned above, such insertion may be prone to insertion errors in some cases, for example, the cables are not inserted far enough into their respective cable cavities and / or are inserted into the incorrect cable cavity. Manually checking and verifying cable insertion may be tedious and time consuming. Therefore, Figure 2 An example method 200 for cable insertion verification is shown. The steps of method 200 may be initiated, terminated, and / or repeated at any suitable time and in response to any suitable conditions. Method 200 is primarily described as being performed by an insertion verification system including a controller that executes software instructions to implement a machine learning system for vibration analysis. However, it should be understood that the steps of method 200 may be performed by any suitable computing system of one or more computing devices, and any computing device that implements the steps of method 200 may have any suitable capabilities, hardware configuration, and form factor. In some examples, method 200 is performed by the following description of Figure 7 The computing system 700 described is implemented.

[0029] At 202, method 200 includes receiving a vibration signal from a vibration sensor at an insertion verification system, the vibration signal representing vibration caused by inserting a cable into a cable cavity of a cable connector housing. Figure 3 and Figures 4A to 4C Shown schematically. Figure 3 Another example cable connector 300 is schematically shown being assembled. The cable connector 300 includes a connector housing 302, which itself includes a plurality of cable cavities 304. In this example, a cable 306 is in the process of being inserted into one of the cable cavities.

[0030] It is noteworthy that in this example, a cable insertion tool 308 is used during the insertion of the cable 306 into the connector housing 302. In one example scenario, a human worker can perform the initial insertion of the cable by hand, for example, by pushing the cable contacts and a length of cable into the connector housing. After this initial insertion, the human worker can use the cable insertion tool 308 to push additional lengths of cable into the connector housing until the cable has been inserted far enough to engage a retention mechanism within the connector housing (and / or any other suitable insertion conditions are met).

[0031] It should be understood that this scenario is non-limiting. For example, in other examples, a cable insertion tool can be used to perform the entire insertion of the cable (without manual initial insertion), or the cable insertion can be performed without the use of a cable insertion tool. For example, as will be described in more detail below, the insertion detection technology can be used in some cases in scenarios where a fixture holds the connector housing in place, and the vibration detection capability described herein is at least partially implemented by a vibration sensor installed in the fixture. In some examples, in addition to the fixture for holding the connector housing, the vibration sensor can be included in the cable insertion tool. In some examples, the cable insertion can be performed by an automated system (e.g., a cable insertion robot) without the need for a worker to perform the insertion.

[0032] exist Figure 3In the example of , the cable insertion tool 308 includes a vibration sensor 310. In other words, in this example, the vibration sensor is integrated into the cable insertion tool, which is used to insert the cable into the cable cavity of the cable connector housing, so that vibrations propagate through the body of the cable insertion tool to reach the vibration sensor. The vibration sensor takes the form of any suitable computer hardware component that can be used to detect vibrations caused by the insertion of the cable into the cable cavity. For example, the vibration sensor can take the form of any suitable device configured to convert mechanical vibrations into electrical signals. In some examples, the vibration sensor includes two or more different components, each configured to detect vibrations. As non-limiting examples, the vibration sensor can include a piezoelectric sensor (e.g., converting mechanical stress caused by vibrating motion into an electrical signal through the piezoelectric effect), an accelerometer (e.g., measuring the acceleration force that displaces a mass from its neutral position and converting the movement into an electrical signal), and / or a microphone (converting sound waves into electrical signals through the movement of a diaphragm in response to changes in air pressure). As a non-limiting example, an electret microphone can be used.

[0033] Despite Figure 3 Only one vibration sensor is shown in the figure, but it should be understood that this is non-limiting. Rather, the cable insertion tool used for cable insertion, the fixture used to hold the connector housing, and / or any other suitable structure involved in the cable connector assembly process can include any suitable number and variety of vibration sensors. In some cases, having a higher number and variety of vibration sensors (e.g., using multiple different modalities to detect vibration) can improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the insertion verification system.

[0034] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the vibration sensor is communicatively coupled to an insertion verification system 312. The "insertion verification system" takes the form of any suitable computer logic hardware configured to execute software, firmware, and / or hardware-coded instructions to evaluate the vibration signal and verify proper cable insertion. In some examples, the insertion verification system is implemented as follows: Figure 7 As will be described in more detail below, the insertion verification system can be used to implement a machine learning insertion verification model. In the case where an automated system is used to insert a cable into a connector housing, such an automated system can, in some cases, be controlled by or otherwise communicatively coupled to the insertion verification system.

[0035] In this example, the insertion verification system is depicted as separate from the cable insertion tool. For example, the cable insertion tool can be communicatively coupled to the insertion verification system using a suitable cable and / or wireless data communication channel. Additionally or alternatively, aspects of the insertion verification system can be integrated into the same housing as the cable insertion tool.

[0036] In any case, during insertion of the cable into the cable cavity, contact between the cable and the cable cavity causes vibrations that are detected at the vibration sensor. The vibration sensor then outputs a vibration signal to the insertion verification system. This is relative to Figure 4A Schematically illustrated, an exemplary insertion verification system 400 is shown communicatively coupled to a vibration sensor 402. The insertion verification system 400 receives a vibration signal 404 from the vibration sensor 402. As will be described in more detail below, the vibration signal is input into an insertion verification model 406, which then outputs a correct cable insertion indication 408. In this example, the insertion verification system further includes a signal detection system 410 and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 412, which will be described in more detail below.

[0037] In some examples, a vibration signal may be continuously received while the vibration sensor and insertion verification system are powered on. For example, as noises occur in the surrounding environment, people and / or machines move around the room, or an assembly process occurs nearby, ambient vibrations may be detected at the vibration sensor and reported to the insertion verification system. In some examples, it may not be desirable to continuously input such ambient vibration signals into the insertion verification model. For example, this may unnecessarily consume computing resources of the insertion verification system.

[0038] So, briefly returning to Figure 2 At 204, method 200 optionally includes detecting, via a signal detection system of the insertion verification system, that vibration exceeds a signal amplitude threshold. Figure 4A , the insertion verification system includes a signal detection system 410 that receives the vibration signal 404. The signal detection system is implemented as any suitable combination of computer hardware, software, and / or firmware that can be used to evaluate the relative strength of an input vibration signal.

[0039] As a non-limiting example, the signal detection system may include a signal processor. Furthermore, in addition to or in lieu of determining whether the vibration signal exceeds a signal amplitude threshold, the signal processor may perform any suitable operation. For example, in some examples, the signal processor may be configured to filter frequencies from the vibration signal, amplify the vibration signal, reduce noise in the vibration signal, and the like.

[0040] Figure 4B The use of the signal detection system 410 is schematically shown in more detail. Specifically, Figure 4BA simulated representation 414 of vibration signal 404 is shown. The signal detection system evaluates whether the vibration signal exceeds a signal amplitude threshold 416. If the vibration signal is determined to exceed the signal amplitude threshold, the signal detection system outputs the vibration signal to the insertion verification model. Alternatively, if the vibration signal does not exceed the signal amplitude threshold, the signal detection system may refrain from outputting the vibration signal to the insertion verification model. In this manner, the insertion verification model is only used to evaluate vibration signals that exceed the signal amplitude threshold. This advantageously reduces the consumption of computing resources because the insertion verification model is only used to evaluate vibration signals that may correspond to the insertion of a cable into the cable cavity during assembly of the cable connector.

[0041] exist Figure 4B In an example, a vibration signal is received at the insertion verification system as an analog representation of the underlying vibration. For example, the vibration signal can be received as the direct output of a piezoelectric sensor, an accelerometer, a microphone, and / or other suitable types of vibration sensors. In this case, the analog representation can be converted to a digital representation before inputting the vibration signal into the insertion verification model.

[0042] Therefore, briefly returning to Figure 2 At 206 , method 200 optionally includes, at 206 , converting an analog representation of the vibration signal to a digital representation using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) before inputting the vibration signal into the insertion verification model. Figure 4A In the example of , the vibration signal is received at the ADC 412, which converts the vibration signal into a digital representation before inputting the vibration signal into the insertion verification model.

[0043] about Figure 4C The operation of ADC 412 is schematically illustrated in more detail. Specifically, Figure 4C Again, an analog representation 414 of the vibration signal 404 is shown. The ADC then converts the analog representation into a digital representation 418, where the underlying vibration is encoded via a digital bit stream. This digital representation is then input to the insertion verification model 406.

[0044] It should be understood that the analog-to-digital conversion need not be performed by the insertion verification system. For example, in some examples, the vibration signal may first be converted to a digital representation by a vibration sensor or another suitable computer system before being received at the insertion verification system. Thus, in some examples, the insertion verification system need not include a Figure 4A and Figure 4C ADC shown.

[0045] Return briefly Figure 2At 208, method 200 includes inputting the vibration signal into an insertion verification model. As described above, the insertion verification model is trained to evaluate whether the input vibration signal is consistent with correct cable insertion. This training is performed based on a dataset including a plurality of training examples. The dataset can include examples of correct and incorrect insertions, capturing a variety of insertion scenarios and conditions to ensure that the model can generalize well (e.g., different insertion distances, speeds, the amount of insertion force used, the type of cable contact used). Each training example can be labeled according to whether it corresponds to a correct or incorrect insertion.

[0046] The insertion verification model can take any suitable form, using any suitable machine learning (ML) and / or artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. As non-limiting examples, a decision tree, a support vector machine (SVM), a neural network, or a deep learning model such as a convolutional neural network (CNN) can be suitable for implementing the insertion verification system.

[0047] In some examples, the insertion verification system can maintain multiple different insertion verification models. For example, different models can be trained for different connector housings, different types of cable contacts, different types of insertion techniques (e.g., manual insertion by a human worker versus automatic insertion via an assembly machine), etc. In some examples, the model used to evaluate a given vibration signal can be selected by a human worker (e.g., by specifying the type of cable connector being assembled) and / or automatically determined based on sensor data. In some examples, the same vibration signal can be provided to two or more different machine learning models, which can each output an indication of whether the vibration signal is consistent with a correct insertion based on the corresponding training of the model.

[0048] As described above, "correct" insertion of the cable may be determined according to any suitable criteria. In some examples, correct cable insertion may include inserting the cable far enough into the cable cavity to engage a retaining mechanism that prevents removal of the cable from the cable cavity. Figures 5A to 5C Specifically, Figure 5A An exemplary cable 500 is schematically depicted with a cable contact 502 attached to the end of the cable. Figure 5A In FIG, the cable and the cable contact are in the process of being inserted into the cable cavity 504, as shown in cross section. It should be understood that the cable cavity 504 can be one of multiple cable cavities of the connector housing, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown.

[0049] exist Figure 5AIn FIG, the cable cavity includes a retaining mechanism 506. In this example, the retaining mechanism is implemented as a pair of clamps that clamp a portion of the cable contact once the cable contact is inserted far enough into the cable cavity, thereby preventing the cable contact from retracting out of the cable cavity. Figure 5B and Figure 5C It is shown schematically in FIG. Figure 5B , the cable has been partially inserted into the cable cavity. This causes the retaining clamp to open and allow a portion of the cable contact to enter. However, the cable contact has not yet been inserted far enough to fully engage the retaining mechanism. In contrast, in Figure 5C In the embodiment of the present invention, the cable connector has been fully inserted. As shown in the figure, the geometry of the cable contact and the cable cavity prevents further insertion of the cable contact. In addition, the arrangement of the retaining mechanism relative to the cable connector prevents the cable contact from being removed from the cable cavity.

[0050] When this configuration is implemented, the movement of the cable contact and the retention mechanism can cause a different vibration that can be identified by the insertion verification system as corresponding to the cable being fully inserted into the cable cavity. This vibration can be different from other vibrations caused by the cable being inserted into the cable cavity. For example, Figure 5B The vibrations occurring during the state depicted may be classified by the insertion verification system as not corresponding to a correct insertion of the cable.

[0051] It should be understood that Figures 5A to 5C The specific scenarios depicted are non-limiting. For example, the specific geometry of the cable contact, the specific geometry of the cable cavity, and the manner in which the retention mechanism is implemented may vary depending on the embodiment. Generally, the retention mechanism may use any suitable force to prevent the cable contact from being removed from the cable cavity, for example, the retention mechanism may use friction, adhesion, suction, magnetism, etc.

[0052] Furthermore, additional or alternative criteria can be used to determine whether a cable is correctly inserted. For example, in some examples, the type of cable contact (e.g., size, shape), the type of cable (e.g., width, material properties), the specific cable cavity into which the cable is inserted, the type of cable connector into which the cable contact is inserted, etc. can each affect the vibration signal detected at the vibration sensor. Thus, as another example, correct cable contact insertion can include determining that the cable includes the expected type of cable contact. For example, if the cable has a different type of cable contact than the expected cable contact, this can catch instances where a human worker attempts to insert an incorrect cable into a given cable cavity.

[0053] Return briefly Figure 2At 210, method 200 includes outputting an indication from the insertion verification model that the vibration signal is consistent with the correct insertion of the cable into the cable cavity. Such an indication can take any suitable form. As non-limiting examples, outputting the correct insertion indication can include any one or all of illuminating an indicator light, playing an audio insertion confirmation, activating a tactile feedback system, displaying text on a computer display, outputting a data confirmation to an automated assembly system, and / or providing any other suitable type of correct insertion feedback.

[0054] Return briefly Figure 3 In this example, the cable insertion tool 308 includes various feedback systems that can be used to provide an indication of proper insertion to a human worker. It should be understood that this scenario is non-limiting, and any suitable combination of one or more suitable feedback systems can be used. Furthermore, such feedback systems can be integrated into any suitable device or component in addition to or in place of the cable insertion tool.

[0055] Specifically, in Figure 3 In the example shown, the cable insertion tool includes a tactile feedback system 314. Upon detecting correct insertion, the insertion verification system can activate the tactile feedback system to provide confirmation to the human worker holding the cable insertion tool. Similarly, in this example, the cable insertion tool includes an audio speaker 316, which can be activated to play an audio insertion confirmation. The cable insertion tool 308 further includes an indicator light 318, which can be illuminated to indicate correct cable insertion.

[0056] Thus far, this disclosure has primarily focused on situations where the cable is correctly inserted, and therefore the insertion verification system outputs an indication of correct insertion. However, it should be understood that the insertion verification system may additionally or alternatively output an indication when it determines that a particular vibration signal does not correspond to correct insertion of the cable. For example, an indicator light may be illuminated in a different color and / or a different indicator light may be illuminated; an audio error indication may be played instead of an audio insertion confirmation; a haptic feedback system may be activated to provide a tactile pattern indicating an unsuccessful insertion; error text may be displayed on a screen; an error report may be output to an automated system, etc.

[0057] In some cases, the incorrect insertion indication can specify the manner in which the insertion was unsuccessful. For example, the incorrect insertion indication can specify whether the cable was inserted an insufficient distance, whether the wrong type of cable contact was inserted, whether the cable was inserted into the wrong cavity, and / or any other detectable fault condition. Such information can be specified in any suitable manner, for example, via any or all of the feedback systems described above.

[0058] The present disclosure has thus far primarily focused on scenarios in which aspects of the insertion verification system are implemented in series with a cable insertion tool (e.g., cable insertion tool 308) for inserting a cable into a connector housing. However, as described above, aspects of the insertion verification system can be implemented in addition or alternatively with a fixture for holding the connector housing in place. In other words, according to the technology described herein, a vibration sensor can be integrated into the insertion tool and / or into the fixture, and one or both of these sensor systems can be used in any suitable combination. For example, an insertion tool that includes a vibration sensor can be used without a fixture, a fixture with a vibration sensor can be used without an insertion tool, an insertion tool and a fixture can be used together with only one including the vibration sensor, or an insertion tool and a fixture can be used together with both including the vibration sensor.

[0059] This is relative to Figure 6 Shown schematically. Figure 6 Another example cable connector 600 is schematically shown being assembled. The cable connector 600 includes a connector housing 602, which itself includes a plurality of cable cavities 604. In this example, a cable 606 is in the process of being inserted into one of the cable cavities. Furthermore, in this example, the connector housing is held in place by a fixture 608. It should be understood that Figure 6 The specific design and appearance of the securing means 608 in FIG. 1 is non-limiting, and in general, a “securing means” may take the form of any suitable structure that can be used to securely hold the connector housing in place when a cable is inserted.

[0060] In this example, the vibration sensor 610 is integrated into the fixture 608. In other words, in this example, the vibration sensor is integrated into the fixture that holds the cable connector housing in place so that vibrations propagate through the body of the fixture to reach the vibration sensor. Figure 3 As with the examples described above, the fixture may include any suitable number and type of one or more different vibration sensors. Furthermore, such vibration sensors may have any suitable distribution within the fixture and / or other components involved in the assembly of the cable connector. In this example, the vibration sensor is communicatively coupled to an insertion verification system 612 that can be used to evaluate whether the vibration signal captured by the vibration sensor is consistent with proper cable insertion. Upon detecting proper insertion, the insertion verification system can activate one or more feedback systems as described above. For example, Figure 6 In FIG, the fixture includes a tactile feedback system 614 , an audio speaker 616 , and an indicator light 618 .

[0061] The methods and processes described herein may be bound to a computing system of one or more computing devices. In particular, such methods and processes may be implemented as an executable computer application, a network accessible computing service, an application programming interface (API), a library, or a combination of the above and / or other computing resources.

[0062] Figure 7 Schematically illustrated is a simplified representation of a computing system 700 configured to provide any or all of the computing functionality described herein. Computing system 700 may take the form of one or more network accessible devices, personal computers, server computers, mobile computing devices, and / or other computing devices.

[0063] The computing system 700 includes a logic subsystem 702 and a storage subsystem 704. The computing system 700 may optionally include a display subsystem 706, an input subsystem 708, a communication subsystem 710, and / or Figure 7 Other subsystems not shown.

[0064] The logic subsystem 702 includes one or more physical devices configured to execute instructions. For example, the logic subsystem can be configured to execute instructions as part of one or more applications, services, or other logical constructs. The logic subsystem can include one or more hardware processors configured to execute software instructions. Additionally or alternatively, the logic subsystem can include one or more hardware or firmware devices configured to execute hardware or firmware instructions. The processor of the logic subsystem can be single-core or multi-core, and the instructions executed on it can be configured for sequential, parallel, and / or distributed processing. The various components of the logic subsystem can optionally be distributed across two or more separate devices that can be remotely located and / or configured for coordinated processing. Aspects of the logic subsystem can be virtualized and executed on a remotely accessible, networked computing device configured in a cloud computing configuration.

[0065] The storage subsystem 704 includes one or more physical devices configured to temporarily and / or permanently store computer information, such as data and instructions that can be executed by the logic subsystem. When the storage subsystem includes two or more devices, the devices can be collocated and / or remotely located. The storage subsystem 704 can include volatile, non-volatile, dynamic, static, read / write, read-only, random access, sequential access, location addressable, file addressable, and / or content addressable devices. The storage subsystem 704 can include removable and / or built-in devices. As the logic subsystem executes instructions, the state of the storage subsystem 704 can be transformed—for example, to store different data.

[0066] Aspects of the logic subsystem 702 and the storage subsystem 704 may be integrated together into one or more hardware logic components. For example, such hardware logic components may include programmable and application-specific integrated circuits (PASIC / ASIC), programmable and application-specific standard products (PSS / ASSP), systems on chips (SOC), and complex programmable logic devices (CPLD).

[0067] The logic subsystem and the storage subsystem can collaborate to instantiate one or more logical machines. As used herein, the term "machine" is used to collectively refer to a combination of hardware, firmware, software, instructions, and / or any other components that collaborate to provide computer functionality. In other words, a "machine" is never an abstract idea and always has a tangible form. A machine can be instantiated by a single computing device, or a machine can include two or more subcomponents instantiated by two or more different computing devices. In some embodiments, a machine includes a local component (e.g., a software application executed by a computer processor) that collaborates with a remote component (e.g., a cloud computing service provided by a server computer network). The software and / or other instructions that give a particular machine its functionality can optionally be stored as one or more unexecuted modules on one or more suitable storage devices.

[0068] When included, the display subsystem 706 can be used to present a visual representation of the data maintained by the storage subsystem 704. This visual representation can take the form of a graphical user interface (GUI). The display subsystem 706 may include one or more display devices utilizing virtually any type of technology. In some embodiments, the display subsystem may include one or more virtual, augmented, or mixed reality displays.

[0069] When included, the input subsystem 708 may include or interface with one or more input devices. The input device may include a sensor device or a user input device. Examples of user input devices include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, or a game controller. In some embodiments, the input subsystem may include or interface with selected natural user input (NUI) components. Such components may be integrated or peripheral, and the conversion and / or processing of input actions may be handled on-board or off-board. Example NUI components may include a microphone for voice and / or speech recognition; an infrared, color, stereo, and / or depth camera for machine vision and / or gesture recognition; a head tracker, eye tracker, accelerometer, and / or gyroscope for motion detection and / or intent recognition.

[0070] When included, the communication subsystem 710 can be configured to communicatively couple the computing system 700 with one or more other computing devices. The communication subsystem 710 can include wired and / or wireless communication devices compatible with one or more different communication protocols. The communication subsystem can be configured to communicate via a personal, local area network, and / or wide area network.

[0071] The present disclosure is presented by way of example and with reference to the associated drawings. Components, process steps, and other elements that may be substantially the same in one or more of the accompanying drawings are identified in a coordinated manner and described with minimal repetition. However, it should be noted that the elements identified in a coordinated manner may also differ to some extent. It will be further noted that some of the figures may be schematic and not drawn to scale. The various drawing scales, aspect ratios, and numbers of parts shown in the accompanying drawings may be intentionally distorted to make certain features or relationships easier to see.

[0072] In an example, a method for cable insertion verification includes: receiving, at an insertion verification system, a vibration signal from a vibration sensor, the vibration signal representing vibration caused by insertion of a cable into a cable cavity of a cable connector housing; inputting the vibration signal into an insertion verification model, wherein the insertion verification model is trained to evaluate whether the input vibration signal is consistent with correct cable insertion; and outputting, from the insertion verification model, an indication that the vibration signal is consistent with correct cable insertion into the cable cavity. In this or any other example, the vibration signal is received from the vibration sensor as an analog representation of vibration, and wherein the method further includes converting the analog representation into a digital representation using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) before inputting the vibration signal into the insertion verification model. In this or any other example, the vibration sensor is integrated into a cable insertion tool used to insert a cable into the cable cavity of the cable connector housing, such that vibration propagates through the body of the cable insertion tool to reach the vibration sensor. In this or any other example, the vibration sensor is integrated into a fixture that holds the cable connector housing in place, such that vibration propagates through the body of the fixture to reach the vibration sensor. In this or any other examples, proper cable insertion includes inserting the cable far enough into the cable cavity to engage a retaining mechanism for preventing the cable from being removed from the cable cavity. In this or any other examples, proper cable insertion includes determining that the cable includes the expected cable contact type. In this or any other examples, the method also includes detecting, via a signal detection system of the insertion verification system, that vibration exceeds a signal amplitude threshold before inputting the vibration signal into the insertion verification model. In this or any other examples, the output indication includes illuminating an indicator light. In this or any other examples, the output indication includes playing an audio insertion confirmation. In this or any other examples, the output indication includes activating a tactile feedback system. In this or any other examples, the vibration sensor includes a piezoelectric sensor. In this or any other examples, the vibration sensor includes an accelerometer. In this or any other examples, the vibration sensor includes a microphone.

[0073] In one example, an insertion verification system includes: a logic subsystem; and a storage subsystem that retains a set of instructions executable by the logic subsystem to: receive a vibration signal from a vibration sensor, the vibration signal representing vibration caused by insertion of a cable into a cable cavity of a cable connector housing; input the vibration signal into an insertion verification model, wherein the insertion verification model is trained to evaluate whether the input vibration signal is consistent with proper cable insertion; and output from the insertion verification model an indication that the vibration signal is consistent with proper insertion of the cable into the cable cavity. In this or any other example, the vibration signal is received from the vibration sensor as an analog representation of vibration, and wherein the instruction set is further executable to convert the analog representation into a digital representation using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) before inputting the vibration signal into the insertion verification model. In this or any other example, the vibration sensor is integrated into a cable insertion tool that is used to insert a cable into the cable cavity of a cable connector housing, such that the vibration propagates through the body of the cable insertion tool to reach the vibration sensor. In this or any other example, a vibration sensor is integrated into a fixture that holds the cable connector housing in place, such that vibrations propagate through the body of the fixture to reach the vibration sensor. In this or any other example, the set of instructions is further executable to detect, via a signal detection system of the insertion verification system, that vibrations exceed a signal amplitude threshold before inputting the vibration signal into the insertion verification model. In this or any other example, the output indication includes one or more of illuminating an indicator light, playing an audio insertion confirmation, and activating a haptic feedback system.

[0074] In an example, a method for cable insertion verification includes: receiving, at an insertion verification system, a vibration signal from a vibration sensor, the vibration signal representing vibration caused by insertion of a cable into a cable cavity of a cable connector housing, wherein the vibration sensor is integrated into a cable insertion tool, the cable insertion tool being used to insert the cable into the cable cavity of the cable connector housing; inputting the vibration signal into an insertion verification model, wherein the insertion verification model is trained to evaluate whether the input vibration signal is consistent with proper cable insertion; and outputting an indication from the insertion verification model that the vibration signal is consistent with the cable being inserted into the cable cavity far enough to engage a retention mechanism that prevents the cable from being removed from the cable cavity.

[0075] This application involves the following terms:

[0076] Clause 1. A method for cable insertion verification, the method comprising:

[0077] receiving, at an insertion verification system, a vibration signal from a vibration sensor, the vibration signal representing vibration caused by inserting a cable into a cable cavity of a cable connector housing;

[0078] inputting the vibration signal into an insertion verification model, wherein the insertion verification model is trained to evaluate whether the input vibration signal is consistent with proper cable insertion; and

[0079] An indication that the vibration signal is output from the insertion verification model is consistent with proper insertion of the cable into the cable cavity.

[0080] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the vibration signal is received from the vibration sensor as an analog representation of the vibration, and wherein the method further comprises: converting the analog representation to a digital representation using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) before inputting the vibration signal into the insertion verification model.

[0081] Clause 3. A method according to clause 1, wherein the vibration sensor is integrated into a cable insertion tool, which is used to insert the cable into the cable cavity of the cable connector housing so that the vibration propagates through the body of the cable insertion tool to reach the vibration sensor.

[0082] Clause 4. The method of clause 1, wherein the vibration sensor is integrated into a fixture that holds the cable connector housing in place such that the vibration propagates through a body of the fixture to reach the vibration sensor.

[0083] Clause 5. The method of clause 1, wherein proper cable insertion comprises inserting the cable far enough into the cable cavity to engage a retention mechanism that prevents removal of the cable from the cable cavity.

[0084] Clause 6. The method of clause 1, wherein correct cable insertion comprises determining that the cable includes an expected cable contact type.

[0085] Clause 7. The method of Clause 1, further comprising: detecting, via a signal detection system of the insertion verification system, that the vibration exceeds a signal amplitude threshold before inputting the vibration signal into the insertion verification model.

[0086] Clause 8. The method of clause 1, wherein outputting the indication comprises lighting an indicator light.

[0087] Clause 9. The method of clause 1, wherein outputting the indication comprises playing an audio insertion confirmation.

[0088] Clause 10. The method of clause 1, wherein outputting the indication comprises activating a haptic feedback system.

[0089] Clause 11. The method of Clause 1, wherein the vibration sensor comprises a piezoelectric sensor.

[0090] Clause 12. The method of clause 1, wherein the vibration sensor comprises an accelerometer.

[0091] Clause 13. The method of clause 1, wherein the vibration sensor comprises a microphone.

[0092] Clause 14. An insertion verification system, comprising:

[0093] Logic subsystem; and

[0094] a storage subsystem that stores a set of instructions executable by the logic subsystem to:

[0095] receiving a vibration signal from a vibration sensor, the vibration signal representing vibration caused by insertion of a cable into a cable cavity of a cable connector housing;

[0096] inputting the vibration signal into an insertion verification model, wherein the insertion verification model is trained to evaluate whether the input vibration signal is consistent with proper cable insertion; and

[0097] An indication that the vibration signal is output from the insertion verification model is consistent with proper insertion of the cable into the cable cavity.

[0098] Clause 15. The insertion verification system of clause 14, wherein the vibration signal is received from the vibration sensor as an analog representation of the vibration, and wherein the instruction set is further executable to convert the analog representation to a digital representation using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) before inputting the vibration signal into the insertion verification model.

[0099] Clause 16. An insertion verification system according to Clause 14, wherein the vibration sensor is integrated into a cable insertion tool, which is used to insert the cable into the cable cavity of the cable connector housing so that the vibration propagates through the body of the cable insertion tool to reach the vibration sensor.

[0100] Clause 17. The insertion verification system of Clause 14, wherein the vibration sensor is integrated into a fixture that holds the cable connector housing in place such that the vibration propagates through a body of the fixture to reach the vibration sensor.

[0101] Clause 18. The insertion verification system of clause 14, wherein the set of instructions is further executable to detect, via a signal detection system of the insertion verification system, that the vibration exceeds a signal amplitude threshold before inputting the vibration signal into the insertion verification model.

[0102] Clause 19. The insertion verification system of clause 14, wherein outputting the indication comprises one or more of: illuminating an indicator light, playing an audio insertion confirmation, and activating a tactile feedback system.

[0103] Clause 20. A method for cable insertion verification, the method comprising:

[0104] receiving, at an insertion verification system, a vibration signal from a vibration sensor, the vibration signal representing vibration caused by inserting a cable into a cable cavity of a cable connector housing, wherein the vibration sensor is integrated into a cable insertion tool used to insert the cable into the cable cavity of the cable connector housing;

[0105] inputting the vibration signal into an insertion verification model, wherein the insertion verification model is trained to evaluate whether the input vibration signal is consistent with proper cable insertion; and

[0106] Outputting the vibration signal from the insertion verification model is consistent with an indication that a cable has been inserted into the cable cavity far enough to engage a retention mechanism for preventing removal of the cable from the cable cavity.

[0107] It should be understood that the configurations and / or methods described herein are exemplary in nature, and these specific embodiments or examples should not be considered restrictive, as many variations are possible. The specific routines or methods described herein can represent one or more of any number of processing strategies. Therefore, the various actions shown and / or described can be performed in the order shown and / or described, in other orders, in parallel, or omitted. Equally, the order of the above-mentioned process can be changed.

[0108] The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various processes, systems and configurations, and other features, functions, acts, and / or properties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A method for cable insertion verification, the method comprising: receiving, at an insertion verification system, a vibration signal from a vibration sensor, the vibration signal representing vibration caused by inserting a cable into a cable cavity of a cable connector housing; inputting the vibration signal into an insertion verification model, wherein the insertion verification model is trained to evaluate whether the input vibration signal is consistent with proper cable insertion; and An indication that the vibration signal is output from the insertion verification model is consistent with proper insertion of the cable into the cable cavity.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The vibration signal is received from the vibration sensor as an analog representation of the vibration, and wherein the method further comprises converting the analog representation to a digital representation using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) before inputting the vibration signal into the insertion verification model.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The vibration sensor is integrated into a cable insertion tool that is used to insert the cable into the cable cavity of the cable connector housing such that the vibrations propagate through a body of the cable insertion tool to reach the vibration sensor.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The vibration sensor is integrated into a fixture that holds the cable connector housing in place such that the vibrations propagate through the body of the fixture to reach the vibration sensor.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein Proper cable insertion includes inserting the cable far enough into the cable cavity to engage a retention mechanism that prevents removal of the cable from the cable cavity.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein Proper cable insertion includes determining that the cable includes the expected cable contact type.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Prior to inputting the vibration signal into the insertion verification model, detecting that the vibration exceeds a signal amplitude threshold via a signal detection system of the insertion verification system.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein Outputting the indication includes lighting an indicator light.

9. An insertion verification system, comprising: Logical subsystem; as well as a storage subsystem that stores a set of instructions executable by the logic subsystem to: receiving a vibration signal from a vibration sensor, the vibration signal representing vibration caused by insertion of a cable into a cable cavity of a cable connector housing; inputting the vibration signal into an insertion verification model, wherein the insertion verification model is trained to evaluate whether the input vibration signal is consistent with proper cable insertion; and An indication that the vibration signal is output from the insertion verification model is consistent with proper insertion of the cable into the cable cavity.

10. A method for cable insertion verification, the method comprising: receiving, at an insertion verification system, a vibration signal from a vibration sensor, the vibration signal representing vibration caused by inserting a cable into a cable cavity of a cable connector housing, wherein the vibration sensor is integrated into a cable insertion tool used to insert the cable into the cable cavity of the cable connector housing; inputting the vibration signal into an insertion verification model, wherein the insertion verification model is trained to evaluate whether the input vibration signal is consistent with proper cable insertion; and Outputting the vibration signal from the insertion verification model is consistent with an indication that a cable has been inserted into the cable cavity far enough to engage a retention mechanism for preventing removal of the cable from the cable cavity.

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