Connector preparation system and method

Abstract

A preparation system for robotically engaging a connector to facilitate assembly of the connector in a vehicle includes a base and a mounting subassembly. The mounting subassembly is configured to be removably connected to the substrate to facilitate robotic engagement of the connector. The mounting subassembly includes a primary member and a secondary member adjustably coupled to the primary member.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 647,235, filed May 14, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 674,409, filed July 23, 2024. The full disclosure of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector preparation system and method, and more particularly, to a system and method for preparing or temporarily storing pre-installed segments for robot assembly. Background Technology

[0003] Modern vehicles (e.g., automobiles) rely on wires and electrical connections to facilitate the transmission of power within the vehicle and between its components. Connection systems (e.g., connectors and terminals) play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of these electrical connections, as well as the reliability and performance of the vehicle. Some connectors include features (e.g., integral molding features) to facilitate the accurate and repeatable handling, positioning, and securing of the connector and / or other components during assembly. Typically, these features require sophisticated molding tools, which increases the cost and complexity of the connector. Given the above, while known connector preparation systems and methods for vehicle connection systems have proven effective for their intended purposes, continuous improvement in the field is needed to address the challenges associated with the accurate and efficient assembly of connectors.

[0004] The background art provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of this disclosure. The work of the currently designated inventors within the scope described in this background art section, and the description which is not otherwise regarded as prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly acknowledged as prior art to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This section provides a general overview of the invention and is not a full disclosure of its entire scope or all its features.

[0006] One aspect of the invention provides a preparation system for robotic engagement of a connector to facilitate connector assembly in a vehicle. The preparation system includes a base and a mounting subassembly. The mounting subassembly is configured to be removably connected to the base for robotic engagement of the connector. The mounting subassembly includes a main component and a secondary component adjustably coupled to the main component.

[0007] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for assembling a connector assembly. The method includes coupling the connector assembly to a mounting subassembly. The mounting subassembly is configured to be removably connected to a substrate. The mounting subassembly includes a main component and a secondary component. The secondary component is adjustably coupled to the main component. The method also includes coupling the mounting subassembly to the substrate.

[0008] Details of one or more embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from this specification, the drawings, and the claims. Attached Figure Description

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

[0010] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of an example connector preparation system at different assembly stages according to the principles of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 It is in the assembly structure Figure 1 A bottom-view perspective view of the connector preparation system.

[0012] Figure 3 It is based on the principles of this disclosure. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the robot installation sub-component of the connector preparation system.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a top perspective view of another example connector preparation system in an assembly configuration based on the principles of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A bottom-view perspective view of the connector preparation system.

[0015] Figure 6 It is based on the principles of this disclosure. Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the robot installation sub-component of the connector preparation system.

[0016] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The exemplary constructions will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. These exemplary constructions are provided to make this disclosure comprehensive and to fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatus, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the construction of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that specific details are not required, the exemplary constructions can be embodied in many different forms, and the specific details and exemplary constructions should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0018] refer to Figures 1 to 2 The diagram illustrates a connector preparation system 10. As will be explained in more detail below, the connector preparation system 10 is used during the installation of the connector assembly 12 into a vehicle (e.g., an automobile, not shown) to facilitate power transfer between various components of the vehicle (e.g., batteries, lights, etc.). For example, the connector assembly 12 may be a male or female connector detachably coupled to a mating connector (e.g., a male or female connector, not shown) such that during operation of the connector assembly 12, power is transferred through the connector assembly 12 to various electronic components within the vehicle.

[0019] The connector preparation system 10 may include a base 14 and a mounting subassembly 16. The base 14 may include a first side 18 (e.g., a top side) and a second side 20 (e.g., a bottom side) opposite the first side 18. The first side 18 may be connected to the second side 20 via one or more sidewalls 22. In some embodiments, the sidewalls 22 are curved. The first side 18, the second side 20, and the one or more sidewalls 22 may define an opening 24 extending through the base 14. For example, the base 14 may be hollow. In some embodiments, the opening 24 may be rectangular (or rectangular with rounded corners / bevels).

[0020] Mounting subassembly 16 can be removably and / or adjustably coupled to base 14, such that connector assembly 12 can be repeatedly and precisely positioned onto base 14 (e.g., first side 18 of base 14) and / or wiring assembly channels to facilitate automated (e.g., robotic) installation and / or assembly of wire harnesses including connector assembly 12.

[0021] refer to Figure 3 The mounting subassembly 16 may include a main component 26 and a secondary component 28. The main component 26 may be adjustablely (e.g., slidably, translationally, etc.) coupled to the secondary component 28, such that the length L of the mounting subassembly 16 can be increased and / or decreased to accommodate connectors (e.g., connector assembly 12) and / or components of various sizes, lengths, etc. The main component 26 may include one or more protrusions 30. For example, the main component 26 may include a first protrusion 30-1 and a second protrusion 30-2 spaced apart from the first protrusion 30-1. The one or more protrusions 30 may be rectangular in shape. The secondary component 28 may include one or more slots 32 configured to at least partially receive one or more protrusions 30. For example, the secondary component 28 may include a first slot 32-1 configured to receive the first protrusion 30-1 and a second slot 32-2 configured to receive the second protrusion 30-2. The length L of the mounting subassembly 16 can be increased and / or decreased by changing the distance between the one or more protrusions 30 disposed within the one or more slots 32.

[0022] The main component 26 may include a first biasing member 34 to secure the connector assembly 12 to the mounting subassembly 16. The secondary component 28 may include a second biasing member 36 to secure the connector assembly 12 to the mounting subassembly 16. One or both of the biasing members 34 and 36 may engage the connector assembly 12. In this respect, the first biasing member 34 and the second biasing member 36 may be located at opposite ends of the mounting subassembly 16.

[0023] The first biasing member 34 may include one or more apertures 38. The apertures 38 may be configured to receive one or more wires 40 (e.g., electrical wires) of the connector assembly 12. Figure 1 For example, a first hole 38-1 may be configured to receive a first wire 40, and a second hole 38-2 may be configured to receive a second wire 40. The orifice 38 may be defined by one or more sides (e.g., arms) 39 of a first biasing member 34. One or more sides 39 may function as springs to retain the wire in the orifice 38. In some embodiments, the first biasing member 34 (e.g., one or more sides 39) applies a force F on one or more wires 40. Figure 2 In some embodiments, the second biasing member 36 may include a first surface (e.g., an end) 42 configured to engage with the body 44 of the connector assembly 12. Figure 1 ) join.

[0024] Now for reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the mounting subassembly 16 is attached to the base 14 in a snap-fit ​​manner. For example, the mounting subassembly 16 may include one or more mating features 46 (e.g., protrusions, pins, rivets, etc.) received by one or more corresponding mating features 48 (e.g., channels, slots, orifices, keyholes, etc.) formed in the base 14. The mating features 46 may define the distance between them. Similarly, the corresponding mating features 48 may define the distance between them. The distance between the corresponding mating features 48 may correspond to (e.g., equal to) the distance between the mating features 46. In this respect, the distance between the mating features 46 can be adjusted (e.g., by adjusting how many protrusions 30 are provided within the slot 32).

[0025] In some embodiments, one or more mating features 46 include a pin 46-1 and a rivet 46-2, and one or more corresponding mating features 48 include a hole 48-1 and a slot 48-2. The pin 46-1 may be coupled to a sub-component 28. The rivet 46-2 may be coupled to a main component 26. The distance between the pin 46-1 and the rivet 46-2 can be changed, for example, by sliding the main component 26 relative to the sub-component 28.

[0026] In assembly construction ( Figure 1At position C), pin 46-1 can be disposed within hole 48-1 in base 14, and rivet 46-2 on mounting subassembly 16 can be disposed within groove 48-2 in base 14. Groove 48-2 can define a predetermined angular path P within base 14 to facilitate attachment of mounting subassembly 16 to and removal from base 14.

[0027] refer to Figures 4 to 5 Another connector preparation system 10a is shown. Connector preparation system 10a may include a base 14 and a mounting subassembly 16a. Given that the components associated with connector preparation system 10a are substantially similar in structure and function to those of connector preparation system 10, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in the following text and figures, but modified components are identified using the same reference numerals containing letter extensions (e.g., "a").

[0028] Mounting subassembly 16a can be removably and / or adjustably coupled to base 14, such that connector assembly 12 can be repeatedly and precisely positioned onto base 14 (e.g., first side 18 of base 14) and / or wiring assembly channels to facilitate automated (e.g., robotic) installation and / or assembly of wire harnesses including connector assembly 12.

[0029] refer to Figures 5 to 6 The mounting subassembly 16a may include a main component 26a and a secondary component 28. The main component 26a may be adjustablely (e.g., slidably, translationally, etc.) coupled to the secondary component 28, such that the length L of the mounting subassembly 16a can be increased and / or decreased to accommodate connectors (e.g., connector assembly 12) and / or components of various sizes, lengths, etc. The main component 26a may differ from the main component 26, as the first biasing member 34a of the main component 26a may include only one aperture 38a. The aperture 38a may be configured to receive connector assembly 12 ( Figure 4 One or more wires 40 (e.g., electrical wires); Figure 1 For example, aperture 38a can accommodate at least two wires 40. Although aperture 38a is shown as receiving two wires 40, it is conceivable that aperture 38a can receive any number of wires 40 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Aperture 38a may be defined by one or more sides 39a of a first biasing member 34a. One or more sides 39a may function as springs to retain wires in aperture 38a. In some embodiments, the first biasing member 34a (e.g., aperture 38a) applies a force F on one or more wires 40. In some embodiments, the second biasing member 36 may include a first surface 42 configured to engage with the body 44 of the connector assembly 12. Figure 1 ) join.

[0030] A method of assembling connector assembly 12 to, for example, a vehicle (not shown) may include (i) coupling connector assembly 12 to mounting subassemblies 16, 16a, (ii) coupling mounting subassemblies 16, 16a to a base 14, (iii) removing connector assembly 12 and / or mounting subassemblies 16, 16a from the base 14, (iv) coupling connector assembly 12 and / or mounting subassemblies 16, 16a to the vehicle, and / or (v) removing connector assembly 12 from mounting subassemblies 16, 16a.

[0031] In some embodiments, attaching the mounting subassemblies 16, 16a to the base 14 includes rotating the mounting subassemblies 16, 16a along a predetermined angular path P in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction. In some embodiments, attaching the mounting subassemblies 16, 16a to the base 14 includes receiving one or more matching features 46 (e.g., protrusions, pins, rivets, etc.) of the mounting subassemblies 16, 16a through one or more corresponding matching features 48 (e.g., channels, slots, orifices, holes, keyholes, etc.) formed in the base 14.

[0032] In some embodiments, removing the mounting subassemblies 16, 16a from the base 14 includes rotating the mounting subassemblies 16, 16a along a predetermined angular path P in a second (e.g., counterclockwise) direction. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method can be performed automatically and / or by a robot (not shown). Specifically, the robot can engage connector assembly 12 and / or mounting subassemblies 16, 16a to remove connector assembly 12 from mounting subassemblies 16, 16a and / or remove mounting subassemblies 16, 16a from base 14. Similarly, the robot can attach connector assembly 12 to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the robot can rotate mounting subassemblies 16, 16a along a predetermined angular path P to remove mounting subassemblies 16, 16a from base 14.

[0034] In some implementations, removing the mounting subassemblies 16, 16a from the base 14 includes rotating the mounting subassemblies 16, 16a along a predetermined angular path P in a second (e.g., counterclockwise) direction.

[0035] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and the following claims. In the written description and claims, one or more steps in the method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Similarly, one or more instructions stored in a non-transient computer-readable medium may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, the numbering or other designations of instructions or method steps are for convenience of reference and not to indicate a fixed order.

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

[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific example constructions 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 explicitly specifies otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of 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 construed as requiring performance in the specific order discussed or described unless specifically determined to be the order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0038] Spatial and functional relationships between components (e.g., spatial and functional relationships between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using a variety of terms, including “connected,” “joined,” “linked,” “adjacent,” “close,” “beside,” “above,” “under,” and “set.” Unless explicitly stated as “direct,” when describing the relationship between a first and a second component in the foregoing disclosure, the relationship encompasses both direct and indirect relationships, in which there are no other intermediate components between the first and second components, and in which there are one or more intermediate components between the first and second components. Other terms used to describe relationships between components should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “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 indicate 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 an appropriate subset. In other words, a "subset" of the first set can have the same range (equal to) the first set. Furthermore, 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 be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence unless explicitly indicated by the context. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example construction.

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

[0042] The following technical solutions provide an exemplary construction of the preparatory system as described above.

[0043] Technical Solution 1: A preparatory system for robotic engagement of a connector to facilitate connector assembly in a vehicle, the preparatory system comprising: a base; and a mounting subassembly configured to be removably coupled to the base to facilitate robotic engagement of the connector, the mounting subassembly including a main component and a secondary component adjustablely coupled to the main component.

[0044] Technical Solution 2: The preparatory system according to Technical Solution 1 further includes a connector connected to the mounting sub-assembly at a position relative to the base, wherein the position of the connector relative to the base is configured to facilitate robotic assembly of the connector.

[0045] Technical solution 3: The preparatory system according to technical solution 1 or 2, wherein: the main component includes a first biasing member; the secondary component includes a second biasing member; and the first biasing member and the second biasing member are configured to engage a connector.

[0046] Technical Solution 4: The preparatory system according to Technical Solution 3, wherein the second biasing member includes a first surface configured to engage with the connector.

[0047] Technical solution 5: The preparatory system according to technical solution 3 or 4, wherein the first biasing member includes a first aperture configured to receive a first wire connected to the connector.

[0048] Technical Solution 6: According to the preparation system of Technical Solution 5, the first biasing member includes a second aperture arranged above the first aperture and configured to receive a second wire connected to the connector.

[0049] Technical solution 7: The preparatory system according to technical solution 5 or 6, wherein the first biasing member includes a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side and defining a first orifice.

[0050] Technical solution 8: The preparatory system according to technical solution 7, wherein the first side and the second side are configured to be joined with the first wire.

[0051] Technical solution 9: The preparatory system according to technical solution 7 or 8, wherein the first aperture is configured to receive a second wire connected to the connector.

[0052] Technical solution 10: The preparatory system according to any one of technical solutions 3 to 9, wherein a first biasing member is disposed at a first end of the mounting sub-assembly, and a second biasing member is disposed at a second end of the mounting sub-assembly, with the first end and the second end opposite to each other.

[0053] Technical solution 11: A preparatory system according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 10, wherein: the main component includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion; and the sub-component includes a first groove and a second groove, the first groove being configured to at least partially receive the first protrusion, and the second groove being configured to receive the second protrusion.

[0054] Technical solution 12: The preparatory system according to technical solution 11, wherein the first protrusion is configured to translate in the first groove, and the second protrusion is configured to translate in the second groove.

[0055] Technical solution 13: The preparatory system according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 12, wherein the mounting sub-component includes a first matching feature, and the substrate includes a second matching feature configured to receive the first matching feature.

[0056] Technical solution 14: The preparatory system according to technical solution 13, wherein the second matching feature is configured to rotatably receive the first matching feature.

[0057] Technical Solution 15: The preparatory system according to Technical Solution 14, wherein the mounting sub-component includes a third matching feature, and the substrate includes a fourth matching feature configured to receive the third matching feature.

[0058] Technical solution 16: The preparatory system according to technical solution 15, wherein the fourth matching feature is configured to receive the third matching feature in a translational manner.

[0059] Technical solution 17: The preparation system according to technical solution 16, wherein the fourth matching feature defines a predetermined angular path within the substrate to facilitate the removal of the mounting sub-component from the substrate robot.

[0060] Technical solution 18: The preparatory system according to technical solution 16 or 17, wherein one of the first matching feature or the second matching feature includes a first protrusion, the other of the first matching feature or the second matching feature includes a first aperture configured to rotatably receive the first protrusion, and wherein one of the third matching feature or the fourth matching feature includes a second protrusion, and the other of the third matching feature or the fourth matching feature includes a first groove configured to translateably receive the second protrusion.

[0061] Technical solution 19: The preparatory system according to technical solution 15, wherein the distance between the first matching feature and the second matching feature is equal to the distance between the third matching feature and the fourth matching feature.

[0062] Technical solution 20: The preparatory system according to technical solution 19, wherein the distance between the first matching feature and the second matching feature can be adjusted according to the size of the connector.

[0063] Technical Solution 21: A method for assembling a connector assembly, the method comprising: connecting the connector assembly to a mounting sub-assembly, the mounting sub-assembly being configured to be removably connected to a substrate, the mounting sub-assembly including a main component and a secondary component adjustablely connected to the main component; and connecting the mounting sub-assembly to the substrate.

[0064] Technical solution 22: According to the method of technical solution 21, wherein: the mounting sub-component includes a first matching feature and a second matching feature connected to the main component; and the substrate includes a first corresponding matching feature configured to receive the first matching feature and a second corresponding matching feature configured to receive the second matching feature.

[0065] Technical solution 23: The method according to technical solution 22, wherein: the first corresponding matching feature defines a predetermined angular path within the substrate; and connecting the mounting sub-assembly to the substrate includes rotating the mounting sub-assembly along the predetermined angular path in a first direction.

[0066] Technical solution 24: The method according to technical solution 23 further includes removing the mounting sub-assembly from the substrate by rotating the mounting sub-assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction along a predetermined angular path.

[0067] Technical solution 25: The method according to technical solution 24 further includes removing the connector assembly from the mounting sub-assembly.

Claims

1. A preparation system for robot engagement of a connector to facilitate assembly of the connector in a vehicle, the preparation system comprising: Base; as well as Mounting subassemblies, configured to be removably coupled to the base for robotic engagement of the connector, the mounting subassemblies including a main component and a secondary component adjustablely coupled to the main component.

2. The preparatory system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a connector that is coupled to the mounting subassembly at a position relative to the base, wherein the position of the connector relative to the base is configured to facilitate robotic assembly of the connector.

3. The preparatory system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main component includes a first biasing member; The sub-component includes a second biasing member; and The first biasing member and the second biasing member are configured to engage a connector.

4. The preparatory system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second biasing member includes a first surface configured to engage with the connector.

5. The preparatory system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first biasing member includes a first aperture configured to receive a first wire coupled to the connector.

6. The preparatory system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first biasing member includes a second aperture disposed above the first aperture and configured to receive a second wire connected to the connector.

7. The preparatory system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first biasing member includes a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side and defining a first orifice.

8. The preparatory system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first side and the second side are configured to engage with the first wire.

9. The preparatory system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first aperture is configured to receive a second wire connected to the connector.

10. The preparatory system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first biasing member is disposed at the first end of the mounting sub-assembly, and the second biasing member is disposed at the second end of the mounting sub-assembly, with the first end and the second end opposite to each other.

11. The preparatory system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main component includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion; and The sub-component includes a first groove and a second groove, the first groove being configured to at least partially receive the first protrusion, and the second groove being configured to receive the second protrusion.

12. The preparatory system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first protrusion is configured to translate within the first groove, and the second protrusion is configured to translate within the second groove.

13. The preparatory system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting sub-component includes a first matching feature, and the substrate includes a second matching feature configured to receive the first matching feature.

14. The preparatory system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second matching feature is configured to receive the first matching feature in a rotatable manner.

15. The preparatory system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The mounting sub-component includes a third matching feature, and the substrate includes a fourth matching feature configured to receive the third matching feature.

16. The preparatory system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The fourth matching feature is configured to receive the third matching feature in a translational manner.

17. The preparatory system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The fourth matching feature defines a predetermined angular path within the substrate to facilitate the removal of the mounting sub-assembly from the substrate robot.

18. The preparatory system according to claim 16, characterized in that, One of the first matching feature or the second matching feature includes a first protrusion, and the other of the first matching feature or the second matching feature includes a first aperture configured to rotatably receive the first protrusion, wherein one of the third matching feature or the fourth matching feature includes a second protrusion, and the other of the third matching feature or the fourth matching feature includes a first groove configured to translateably receive the second protrusion.

19. The preparatory system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The distance between the first matching feature and the second matching feature is equal to the distance between the third matching feature and the fourth matching feature.

20. The preparatory system according to claim 19, characterized in that, The distance between the first matching feature and the second matching feature can be adjusted according to the size of the connector.

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