Substrate coupling system and method

Abstract

A wire harness mounting assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a locking tab. The second member includes an upper surface and a side surface. Side surfaces extend from the upper surface. The upper surface and the side surface define an aperture. The aperture includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is formed in the side surface. The second portion is formed in the upper surface. The first portion is configured to receive the locking tab. The second portion is configured to receive a tool operable to engage the locking tab.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to substrate coupling systems, and more specifically, to systems for coupling substrates for robot mounting. Background Technology

[0002] Modern vehicles (e.g., automobiles) rely on wires and various electrical connections to facilitate power transmission within the vehicle and between its components. Wire harnesses (e.g., connectors and wire bundles) play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of these electrical connections, as well as the reliability and performance of the vehicle. Wire harnesses often lack structural integrity (e.g., rigidity), making it difficult to ensure accurate and repeatable handling, positioning, and securing of the harness and / or other components during assembly. Typically, these harnesses require manual installation or installation using complex tools, which can increase their cost and complexity. For example, wire harnesses may be placed within another component (e.g., a substrate) to provide the rigidity required for robotic installation. These substrates are often both expensive and complex. Given the above, while known substrate connection systems for vehicle wiring systems have proven effective for their intended purpose, continuous improvement in the field is needed to address the challenges associated with the accurate and efficient assembly of wire harnesses.

[0003] 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

[0004] This section provides a general overview of the invention, but is not a complete disclosure of its entire scope or all its features.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure provides a wire harness mounting assembly. The wire harness mounting assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a locking tab. The second member includes a upper surface and a side surface. The side surface extends from the upper surface. The upper surface and the side surface define an orifice. The orifice includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is formed in the side surface. The second portion is formed in the upper surface. The first portion is configured to receive the locking tab. The second portion is configured to receive a tool operable to engage the locking tab.

[0006] 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

[0007] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figure 1A It is a perspective view of a wire harness mounting assembly in a first orientation according to the principles of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1B It is based on the principles of this disclosure in the second orientation. Figure 1A A 3D view of the wiring harness installation components.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a portion of the first component of a wire harness mounting subassembly based on the principles of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a portion of the second component of a wire harness mounting subassembly according to the principles of this disclosure.

[0012] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0013] 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.

[0014] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The diagram shows a wiring harness mounting assembly 10. As will be explained in more detail below, the wiring harness mounting assembly 10 is used during the installation of the wiring harness 12. For example, the wiring harness mounting assembly 10 can be used during the installation of the wiring harness 12 in a vehicle (not shown), such as an automobile.

[0015] The wire harness mounting assembly 10 may include a first sub-assembly 14 and a second sub-assembly 16. The first sub-assembly 14 may be coupled (e.g., rotatably coupled) to the second sub-assembly 16. In some embodiments, the first sub-assembly 14 and / or the second sub-assembly 16 receive the wire harness 12. In this regard, as will be explained in more detail below, in some embodiments, the first sub-assembly 14 and / or the second sub-assembly 16 form a hollow conduit in which the wire harness 12 is disposed.

[0016] During installation (e.g., installation into a vehicle), the first sub-component 14 and / or the second sub-component 16 may be manipulated by the tool 18. In some embodiments, the tool 18 is an end effector (e.g., an end effector located at the end of a robotic arm).

[0017] While certain features herein will be shown and described as part of the first subcomponent 14 or the second subcomponent 16, it should be understood that, within the scope of this disclosure, such features may be part of another of the first subcomponent 14 or the second subcomponent 16, or part of both the first subcomponent 14 and the second subcomponent 16.

[0018] refer to Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 The first sub-assembly 14 may include a first member 20 and a second member 22 coupled (e.g., rotatably coupled) to the first member 20. The first member 20 may include a first end 24, a second end 26 opposite to the first end 24, an upper wall 28, a lower wall 30, a first sidewall 32, and a second sidewall 33. The upper wall 28 may extend between the first end 24 and the second end 26. The lower wall 30 may be opposite to the upper wall 28 and extend between the first end 24 and the second end 26. The first sidewall 32 may extend between the upper wall 28 and the lower wall 32, and between the first end 24 and the second end 26. The second sidewall 33 may be opposite to the first sidewall 32 and extend between the upper wall 28 and the lower wall 32.

[0019] In some embodiments, the upper wall 28, lower wall 30, first sidewall 32, and second sidewall 33 form a hollow conduit 34 in which the wire harness 12 is disposed during an installation method. In this respect, although the conduit 34 is generally shown and described herein as being formed by the upper wall 28, lower wall 30, first sidewall 32, and second sidewall 33, it should be understood that within the scope of this disclosure, the conduit 34 may be formed by one or more of the upper wall 28, lower wall 30, first sidewall 32, and second sidewall 33. For example, the conduit 34 may be formed by one of the upper wall 28, lower wall 30, first sidewall 32, or second sidewall 33, such that the conduit 34 has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape, a planar cross-sectional shape, etc.

[0020] refer to Figure 2 The first member 20 may include a slot 36, a flexible locking tab 38, one or more windows 40, and a protrusion 42. In some embodiments, the slot 36, locking tab 38, one or more windows 40, and protrusion 42 are disposed between a first end 24 and a second end 26 of the first member 22. Although the slot 36, locking tab 38, one or more windows 40, and protrusion 42 are shown and described herein as being on or part of the first member 20, it should be understood that within the scope of this disclosure, the slot 36, locking tab 38, one or more windows 40, and / or protrusion 42 may be on or part of the second member 22.

[0021] The groove 36 may be at least partially defined by the upper wall 28 and the first sidewall 32. For example, a first portion 44 of the groove 36 may be formed in the first sidewall 32, while a second portion 46 of the groove 36 may be formed in the upper wall 28. In some embodiments, a locking tab 38 is disposed in the groove 36. For example, the locking tab 38 may be disposed within the first portion 44 and / or the second portion 46 of the groove 36.

[0022] The locking tab 38 may include a first surface 48 extending from the upper wall 28 of the first member 20, a second surface 50 extending laterally from the first surface 48, and a third surface 52 extending laterally from the second surface 50. In this respect, the first surface 48 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the lower wall 30 (e.g., + / - 20 degrees) (e.g., the Z direction). The second surface 50 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface 48 (e.g., + / - 20 degrees) (e.g., the Y direction). The third surface 52 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface 50 (e.g., + / - 20 degrees) (e.g., the Y direction).

[0023] As will be explained in more detail below, during use of the first sub-assembly 14, the locking tab 38 (e.g., the second surface 50) can engage a corresponding feature on the second sub-assembly 16 to prevent movement of the first sub-assembly 14 relative to the second sub-assembly 16 (e.g., movement in the Z direction). The tool 18 can engage the locking tab 38 (e.g., the third surface 52) and apply a force F1 thereon, which can cause the locking tab 38 to move (e.g., flex, bend, etc.) in the direction D1 (e.g., the Y direction). The force F1 can disengage the locking tab 38 (e.g., the second surface 50) from the second sub-assembly 16.

[0024] Each of the one or more windows 40 may be at least partially defined by the lower wall 30 and the first side wall 32 of the first sub-component 14. As will be explained in more detail below, during use of the first sub-component 14, each of the one or more windows 40 may receive a corresponding feature on the second sub-component 16. In some embodiments, the one or more windows 40 include a first window 40-1 and a second window 40-2. A locking tab 38 may be disposed between the first window 40-1 and the second window 40-2.

[0025] The protrusion 42 may be provided on the upper wall 28 of the first subassembly 14. For example, the protrusion 42 may extend from the upper wall 28 in the Z direction. During use of the first subassembly 14, the tool 18 may engage the protrusion 42. In this respect, the protrusion 42 may limit the distance (e.g., in the Z direction) that the tool 18 can extend within the orifice 68 of the second subassembly 16.

[0026] refer to Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 3 The second sub-component 16 may include a first member 54 and a second member 56 connected (e.g., rotatably connected) to the first member 54. The first member 54 may be connected to the second member 56 in the same or similar manner as the first member 20 is connected to the second member 22 of the first sub-component 14, and use the same or similar components as the first member 22 of the first member 20 is connected to the first sub-component 14.

[0027] The first component 54 may include a first end 58, a second end 60 opposite to the first end 58, an upper wall 62, a lower wall 63, a first side wall 64, and a second side wall 67. The upper wall 62 may extend from the first end 58 to the second end 60, and the first side wall 64 extends from the upper wall 62. The lower wall 63 may be opposite to the upper wall 62 and extend between the first end 58 and the second end 60. The first side wall 64 may extend between the first end 58 and the second end 60. The first side wall 64 may extend between the upper wall 62 and the lower wall 63, and also between the first end 58 and the second end 60. The second side wall 67 may be opposite to the first side wall 64 and extend between the upper wall 62 and the lower wall 63.

[0028] In some embodiments, the upper wall 62, lower wall 63, first sidewall 64, and second sidewall 67 form a hollow conduit 66 in which the wire harness 12 is disposed during an installation method. In this respect, although the conduit 66 is generally shown and described herein as being formed by the upper wall 62, lower wall 63, first sidewall 64, and second sidewall 67, it should be understood that within the scope of this disclosure, the conduit 66 may be formed by one or more of the upper wall 62, lower wall 63, first sidewall 64, and second sidewall 67. For example, the conduit 66 may be formed by one of the upper wall 62, lower wall 63, first sidewall 64, or second sidewall 67, such that the conduit 66 has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape, a planar cross-sectional shape, etc.

[0029] refer to Figure 3 The first member 54 may include an opening 68 and one or more hooks 70. One or more hooks 70 may extend from the first sidewall 64, and the opening 68 may be at least partially defined by the upper wall 62 and the first sidewall 64. While the opening 68 and one or more hooks 70 are shown and described herein as being on or part of the first member 54, it should be understood that, within the scope of this disclosure, the opening 68 and one or more hooks 70 may be on or part of the second member 56.

[0030] In some embodiments, the aperture 68 includes a first portion 72 formed in a first sidewall 64 and a second portion 74 formed in an upper wall 62. During use of the second subassembly 16, the first portion 72 may receive a locking tab 38 of the first subassembly 14. For example, the first portion 72 may at least partially define a first surface 76 that may engage with a second surface 50 of the locking tab 38 during use of the mounting assembly 10. When the locking tab 38 is disposed within the aperture 68, movement of the first subassembly 14 relative to the second subassembly 16 may be prevented. During the method of mounting the wire harness 12, the aperture 68 (e.g., the second portion 74) may receive a tool 18. In this respect, the second portion 74 may allow the tool 18 to move (e.g., in the Z direction) and engage / disengage the locking tab 38 disposed within the first portion 72.

[0031] One or more hooks 70 may include a first hook 70-1 and a second hook 70-2. In some embodiments, an opening 68 is provided between the first hook 70-1 and the second hook 70-2. Each hook 70 may include a first arm 78 extending from a first sidewall 64 and a second arm 80 extending from the first arm 78, such that the first arm 78 and the second arm 80 define an "L" shape. In this respect, the first sidewall 64 and the hooks 70 (e.g., the first arm 78 and the second arm 80) define a gap 82. In an assembly configuration, each hook 70 of the second subassembly 16 may be disposed within a corresponding window 40 on the first member 20 of the first subassembly 14. In this respect, each hook 70 may be disposed within a corresponding window 40 of the first member 20, and a portion of the first sidewall 32 of the first member 20 may be disposed within the gap 82. One or more hooks 70 may prevent (e.g., fix) movement of the first subassembly 14 relative to the second subassembly 16.

[0032] refer to Figures 1A to 3 The method of using a wire harness mounting assembly (e.g., wire harness mounting assembly 10) will be described. In the first construction ( Figure 1A The first sub-component 14 is connected to the second sub-component 16. In a first configuration, a locking tab 38 of the first sub-component 14 is disposed within an opening 68 of the second sub-component 16. In this respect, the second surface 50 of the locking tab 38 may engage the first surface 76 in the first configuration. In some embodiments, each hook 70 of the second sub-component 16 is disposed within a corresponding window 40 of the first sub-component 14.

[0033] The tool 18 can move in the Z direction to engage the first sub-assembly 14. Specifically, as the tool 18 moves in the Z direction, the second portion 74 of the orifice 68 can receive the tool 18, and the tool 18 can engage the locking tab 38 (e.g., the third surface 52). The tool 18 can continue to move (e.g., in the Z direction) until the tool 18 engages the protrusion 42.

[0034] Tool 18 can also move in the Y direction. Movement of tool 18 in the Y direction can apply a force F1 to locking tab 38, causing locking tab 38 to move (e.g., bend) in direction D1 (e.g., the Y direction). Force F1 can remove locking tab 38 (e.g., second surface 50) from orifice 68 (e.g., first surface 76).

[0035] When the locking tab 38 is removed from the aperture 68, the first sub-assembly 14 can move freely relative to the second sub-assembly 16. In this respect, the tool 18 can move the first sub-assembly 14 relative to the second sub-assembly 16 (e.g., in the Z direction). For example, the tool 18 can move the first sub-assembly 14 to the second configuration ( Figure 1B ), and move them to an assembly location, for example, inside a vehicle.

[0036] The following technical solutions provide an exemplary construction of the wire harness mounting assembly as described above.

[0037] Technical Solution 1: A wire harness mounting assembly includes: a first member including a locking tab; and a second member including an upper surface and a side surface extending from the upper surface, the upper surface and the side surface defining an orifice including a first portion formed in the side surface and a second portion formed in the upper surface, the first portion being configured to receive the locking tab and the second portion being configured to receive a tool operable to engage the locking tab.

[0038] Technical Solution 2: The component according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the first member includes an upper surface and a side surface extending from the upper surface, the upper surface and the side surface defining a groove, the groove including a first portion formed in the side surface of the first member and a second portion formed in the upper surface of the first member, the first portion and the second portion of the groove extending along a locking tab.

[0039] Technical solution 3: The component according to technical solution 2, wherein the locking tab is disposed in the groove.

[0040] Technical solution 4: The component according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 3, wherein: the locking tab includes a first surface extending along a first direction, the first direction being transverse to the side surface, and the aperture is configured to receive the first surface.

[0041] Technical solution 5: The component according to technical solution 4, wherein: a first portion of the orifice defines a first surface, and the first surface of the first portion is configured to receive a locking tab.

[0042] Technical Solution 6: The component according to Technical Solution 4, wherein the locking tab includes a second surface extending from the first surface along a second direction transverse to the first direction, and the second surface is configured to engage with the tool.

[0043] Technical solution 7: According to any one of technical solutions 1 to 6, the second component includes a first hook, and the first component includes a first window configured to receive the first hook.

[0044] Technical Solution 8: The component according to Technical Solution 7, wherein the first hook includes a first arm extending from the side surface of the second member and a second arm extending from the first arm.

[0045] Technical solution 9: The component according to technical solution 8, wherein the first hook defines an "L" shape.

[0046] Technical solution 10: The component according to any one of technical solutions 8 to 9, wherein the side surfaces of the second arm and the second member define a gap.

[0047] Technical solution 11: The component according to technical solution 10, wherein, in the assembly structure, the first component is at least partially disposed within the gap.

[0048] Technical solution 12: The component according to any one of technical solutions 7 to 11, wherein the first member includes an upper surface, a bottom surface opposite to the upper surface, and a side surface extending from the upper surface to the bottom surface, and the first window is at least partially defined by the side surface and the bottom surface.

[0049] Technical solution 13: The component according to any one of technical solutions 7 to 12, wherein the second component includes a second hook and the first component includes a second window configured to receive the second hook.

[0050] Technical solution 14: The component according to technical solution 13, wherein the second hook defines an "L" shape.

[0051] Technical solution 15: The component according to any one of technical solutions 13 to 14, wherein the opening is disposed between the first hook and the second hook.

[0052] Technical solution 16: The component according to any one of technical solutions 13 to 15, wherein the locking tab is disposed between the first window and the second window.

[0053] Technical solution 17: The component according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 16, wherein, in the assembly structure, the locking tab is at least partially disposed within the gap.

[0054] Technical solution 18: The component according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 17, wherein the first member includes a protrusion extending from the upper surface and configured to engage with the tool.

[0055] Technical solution 19: The component according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 18, wherein the first component forms a first conduit and the second component forms a second conduit.

[0056] Technical solution 20: The component according to technical solution 19, wherein at least one of the first conduit or the second conduit is configured to receive a wire harness.

[0057] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular 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 “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” 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 otherwise. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0058] When an element or layer is referred to as “on,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “linked to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, joined to, connected to, attached to, or linked to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as “directly on,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly linked to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “next to,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The term "group" generally refers to a combination of one or more elements. The elements of a group do not necessarily need to share any common characteristics or otherwise belong together. The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted as indicating logic using the non-exclusive logic "OR" (A or B or C), and should not be interpreted as indicating "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C." The phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" should be interpreted as indicating logic using the non-exclusive logic "OR" (A or B or C).

[0061] The above description is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention. Even if not explicitly stated or described, individual elements or features of a particular construction are not generally limited to that particular construction, but are interchangeable and usable in selected constructions where applicable. These elements or features can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the invention, but all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A wire harness mounting assembly, comprising: A first component, the first component including a locking tab; as well as The second component includes an upper surface and a side surface extending from the upper surface, the upper surface and the side surface defining an orifice, the orifice including a first portion formed in the side surface and a second portion formed in the upper surface, the first portion being configured to receive the locking tab and the second portion being configured to receive a tool operable to engage the locking tab.

2. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first member includes an upper surface and a side surface extending from the upper surface, the upper surface and the side surface defining a groove, the groove including a first portion formed in the side surface of the first member and a second portion formed in the upper surface of the first member, the first portion and the second portion of the groove extending along the locking tab.

3. The component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking tab is disposed within the groove.

4. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking tab includes a first surface extending along a first direction. The first direction is transverse to the side surface, and The orifice is configured to accommodate the first surface.

5. The component according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first portion of the orifice defines a first surface, and The first surface of the first portion is configured to receive the first surface of the locking tab.

6. The component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking tab includes a second surface extending from the first surface along a second direction transverse to the first direction, and the second surface is configured to engage with the tool.

7. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second component includes a first hook, and the first component includes a first window configured to receive the first hook.

8. The component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first hook includes a first arm extending from the side surface of the second member and a second arm extending from the first arm.

9. The component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first hook is defined as an "L" shape.

10. The component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The side surfaces of the second arm and the second member define a gap.

11. The component according to claim 10, characterized in that, In the assembly configuration, the first component is at least partially disposed within the gap.

12. The component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first component includes an upper surface, a bottom surface opposite to the upper surface, and a side surface extending from the upper surface to the bottom surface, the first window being at least partially defined by the side surface and the bottom surface.

13. The component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second component includes a second hook, and the first component includes a second window configured to receive the second hook.

14. The component according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second hook is defined as an "L" shape.

15. The component according to claim 13, characterized in that, The opening is located between the first hook and the second hook.

16. The component according to claim 13, characterized in that, The locking tab is positioned between the first window and the second window.

17. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the assembly configuration, the locking tab is at least partially disposed within the orifice.

18. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first component includes a protrusion extending from the upper surface and configured to engage with the tool.

19. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first component forms a first conduit, and the second component forms a second conduit.

20. The component according to claim 19, characterized in that, At least one of the first conduit or the second conduit is configured to receive a wire harness.

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