A connector three-dimensional electronic component creation and library addition method

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for creating and adding 3D electronic components for connectors to a library. The method converts supplier-provided STP models into CATIA Part format, standardizes connector definitions according to the J599Ⅲ series naming rules, assigns electrical attributes, and unifies model colors. A VBA program is used to batch generate and automatically rename models with different key positions, materials, and model types. Finally, all models are imported into the CATIA Catalog library for structured management. Through this approach, the invention significantly improves the efficiency and data standardization of connector 3D model creation, enabling efficient reuse and rapid retrieval of mechatronics design data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to a method for creating and adding three-dimensional electronic components to a connector library. Background Technology

[0002] In the process of electrical system integration and wiring harness design, connectors are key docking components with numerous models and specifications, complex key combinations, and diverse material types. The traditional method of manually modeling, naming, assigning values, and storing each connector is inefficient and prone to errors. Furthermore, the models lack standardized electrical attributes and connection point definitions, making it difficult to achieve mechatronics data interoperability. At the same time, the STP models provided by suppliers cannot be directly used for electrical design calls on the CATIA platform. The models have inconsistent naming, chaotic storage, and poor batch expansion capabilities, failing to meet the needs of rapid model expansion and standardized library management.

[0003] Based on the above defects and shortcomings, it is necessary to improve the existing technology and design a method for creating and adding 3D electronic components to a connector library. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a method for creating and adding 3D electronic components to a connector library, which realizes automatic model conversion, standardized naming, electrical attribute assignment, connection point definition, batch expansion of key positions / materials / type catalogs, and unified management of the Catalog library, thereby improving modeling efficiency and data standardization.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a method for creating and adding three-dimensional electronic components to a connector library, comprising the following steps: S1. Collect STP format 3D models of connectors of different specifications provided by suppliers, and organize the model correspondence and data. S2. Convert the STP format model to CATIA Part format document using CATIA, unify the internal and external naming of the model, and complete the storage of parts; S3. Based on the GJB599 industry standard and the J599Ⅲ series naming rules, a preliminary definition of the connector model is made; S4. Define the electrical type of the connector model, assign electrical attributes to the model, and unify the model display color; S5. Create electrical connection points on the connector model, including mating points, bobbins, mating surfaces, and high-voltage dedicated connection point definitions; S6. Store the connector models in a unified directory, and use a VBA program to read all model files in the target path in batches to provide a data foundation for subsequent batch model conversion; S7. Trigger the storage path configuration pop-up window through the Excel tool, and set the storage directory of the derived model files in the pop-up window to store connector models with different key positions, materials and spectra; S8. Based on the naming rules in step S3 and the N / A / B / C / D / E key types, automatically modify the part number and document attributes using the VBA program to generate connector models with different key types in batches. S9. Select the document directory generated in step 8 as the basic data, and use the built-in material identifier array of the VBA program to automatically traverse all model files and modify the part number according to the material type, batch modify the part name and document attributes, and generate connector models of different materials. S10. Select the document directory generated in step 9 as the basic data, use the built-in multiple type code arrays of the VBA program to automatically traverse all model files and modify the part number according to the material type, batch modify the part name and document attributes, generate connector models of different types and complete automatic storage. S11. Add the model generated in step S10 to the 3D electronic model database, classify and associate it according to series, material and other dimensions, and import all series parts into the CATIA Catalog library to form a structured and callable 3D component library.

[0006] Preferably, the J599Ⅲ series naming rules in step S3 include series code, housing type, plating, housing number, node arrangement, contact type and key identification fields.

[0007] Preferably, in step S4, electrical properties are assigned to the 3D model of the connector through the electrical properties module of the CATIA software. The parameters of the pin and the termination are not directly set in the model definition stage, and all connector models are uniformly set to green for unified identification and management.

[0008] Preferably, the electrical connection points in step S5 include connector body connection points, tail accessory connection points, and wire harness connection points; for the high-voltage 2-pin structure, two electrical connection points are provided.

[0009] Preferably, the Excel tool described in step S7 embeds a VBA program, which configures the storage path through a folder selector and an input box.

[0010] Preferably, in step S8, the VBA program can automatically modify the key field at the end of the part number to generate and save connector models with different keys such as N, A, B, and C.

[0011] Preferably, the material identifier array in step S9 includes coating material codes such as F, M, J, and W, and the VBA program automatically modifies the corresponding fields in the part number to generate models of different materials.

[0012] Preferably, the type spectrum encoding array in step S10 contains multiple sets of node arrangement codes, and the VBA program automatically modifies the type spectrum field in the part number to generate models with different type spectra.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. Convert STP data based on the supplier model into CATIA model data and assign corresponding initial electrical properties; 2. The process enables batch generation of different spectra, materials, and bond positions in a step-by-step manner, eliminating the need for individual generation. 3. By combining CATIA with VBA code, batch data generation can be achieved, improving design speed and efficiency, and reducing the time spent on database setup by using code to perform repetitive tasks. 4. Batch modeling of the database and adding database components enable rapid retrieval of backend data, reducing the non-uniqueness of data sources. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connector naming rules of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the attribute definition of the single-cavity connector of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the definition of basic parameters for electrical attribute points and surfaces in this invention.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the folder access interface in step 6 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of different key reference codes in step 8 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the reference codes for different materials in step 9 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of different type reference codes in step 10 of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the connector library structure of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the F-series material code library for the J599Ⅲ series connector of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the advantages and features of the invention can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, thereby providing a clearer and more explicit definition of the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] Please see Figures 1 to 10 The embodiments of the present invention include: A method for creating and adding 3D electronic components to a connector library includes the following steps: Step 1: Collect individual models of connectors of different specifications: The STP data of the connector 3D model file provided by the supplier was sorted out and organized to establish the matching relationship between the original model and the specification model. Taking the J599 3 series housing as an example, there are 9 types, such as different housing sizes of AJ.

[0026] Step 2, Model Data Conversion and Saving: Data conversion is performed using CATIA to convert the supplier's generic STP file into the CATIA Part document type, thereby unifying the internal and external naming of the model and storing parts. Taking the J599 series connector as an example, this ensures that the converted model has complete geometry and usable features.

[0027] Step 3: Define the connectors initially according to their generic part numbering. Referring to the GJB599 industry design specification, connectors adopt the J599Ⅲ series standard naming rules. The model number is uniformly compiled according to the series number-housing type-plating-housing number-node arrangement-contact type-key configuration, for example: J599 / 26FH35PN. The correspondence between each field must be clearly defined, and the conversion format should be completed according to the connector naming rules. This mainly includes the definitions of different materials, different key configurations, and different model types. The corresponding rules for each byte segment are shown below. Figure 2 .

[0028] Step 4, defining the electrical type of the connector, includes the following steps: Step 4.1: Enter the Electrical Device Definition module of CATIA software, assign electrical attributes to the 3D model of the connector, and define it as a "Single Insert Connector" single-cavity connector so that it has complete electrical information in subsequent calls and meets the requirements of mechatronics design. Step 4.2: In the connector definition interface, select the component attribute type and choose "Single Insert Connector" from the drop-down menu. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 In the model definition stage, the Pin and Termination parameters are not set directly to facilitate subsequent design layout calls and interaction with other electrical equipment interfaces. Relevant information is reflected through the connector naming rules in step 3, which simplifies the modeling process and ensures compatibility with subsequent design calls and interaction with electrical equipment interfaces. Step 4.3: To achieve unified management and rapid identification of electrical components, the display color of all connector models is uniformly adjusted to green to distinguish them from purely mechanical structure models, thus constructing a standardized and identifiable electrical component data system.

[0029] Step 5, Define the electrical connection point of the connector: First, determine the basic reference data such as the reference mating point, spool, and mating surface. Then, create the electrical connection points for the connector body, the tail accessory, and the wire harness. See [link / reference]. Figure 4 For special high-voltage 2-pin structures, two electrical connection points are defined to ensure accurate electrical connection relationships.

[0030] Step 6, Connector data location reading: After completing the electrical attribute definition of the connector model, path management and data reading are performed in the following manner to provide a data foundation for subsequent batch generation: Model storage path settings: Store the connector Part models generated by CATIA in a unified category directory, and store them in a structured manner according to series and specifications for easy retrieval and batch processing later; VBA Batch Reading Implementation: The target folder is traversed and read using an Excel-based VBA program. The specific implementation interface is shown in Figure 5. The program can automatically read all CATIA Part model files under the target path without the need for manual selection. Purpose of reading data: The read model file serves as the basic data source for the batch generation of connector models with different key positions, materials, and types, providing support for automated renaming, attribute modification, and derivative model creation.

[0031] Step 7, Setting the connector data storage location: Open the Excel tool file embedded with the VBA program, click the function button to trigger the storage path configuration pop-up window, select and set the target storage directory for the derived model files in the pop-up window. This path is used for the orderly saving of connector derived models with different key positions, materials and types generated in batches, realizing data classification, archiving and traceability management, and providing a structured data foundation for the subsequent generation and storage of the entire series of models.

[0032] Step 8: Generation of different key model positions for the connector: By combining N / A / B / C / D / E keys, batch modification of part numbers and document attributes can be performed on connector models to generate derived models with different key positions. This can be done manually or automatically in batches using VBA code embedded in Excel. The execution process can be referenced [reference needed]. Figure 6 The code iterates through the base model files under the target path, automatically modifies the key identifier field in the part number, and generates connector models with different keys such as N, A, B, and C in sequence, and saves them as new CATPart files according to the path set in step 7.

[0033] Step 9: Generate connector models made of different materials based on Step 8. Using the different key connector models generated in step 8 as the base files, the document directory generated in step 8 is selected as the data source. Based on the J599Ⅲ series connector naming rules, the documents and parts are renamed for different materials. The material properties and model are associated through VBA program to generate connector models of different material versions in batches. Execution is performed automatically via VBA program; the execution process is described in the following reference. Figure 7 The code uses a built-in material identifier array Array("F-aluminum alloy electroless nickel plating", "M-composite material nickel plating", "J-composite material nickel plating", "W-aluminum alloy military green chrome plating"). At runtime, the program selects the model directory output in step 8 using a folder selector, enters the save path in a pop-up window, automatically iterates through all model files, modifies part numbers according to material type, and batch generates connector models corresponding to different materials. This automates and batches material expansion, ensuring consistent naming conventions.

[0034] Step 10: Generate models of different morphologies based on step 9: Using the connector models of different materials generated in step 9 as the base file, and selecting the document directory generated in step 9 as the data source, based on the naming rules of the J599Ⅲ series connectors, the part name and document attributes of the model field corresponding to different types are modified in batches. Execution is performed automatically via VBA program; the execution process is described in the following reference. Figure 8 The program has built-in multiple type specification code arrays Ar1, Ar2...Ar9, containing standard type specification codes such as "06", "35", "02", "44", "98", "62", "65", and "51". During runtime, the program selects the model directory output in step 9 through the folder selector, enters the save path in the pop-up window, automatically traverses all model files, modifies the part numbers according to the type specification codes, generates connector models corresponding to different type specifications in batches, and completes storage. This achieves automated and batch processing of the entire series of type specification expansions, ensuring consistent naming conventions.

[0035] Step 11: Add the connectors of different specifications created in batches to the CATIA Catalog library: Add the complete series of models generated in step 10 to the 3D electronic model database, which covers a series of components such as connectors, tail accessories, and protection devices; complete the document data association by series, material, and type, and refer to the database model. Figure 9 All J599 series parts will be added to the CATIA Catalog library to achieve standardized, structured, and directly accessible 3D model library management.

[0036] A CATIA-based connector 3D model library construction system includes: The model import module is used to perform the model collection and organization in step 1; The format conversion module is used to perform the STP to CATIA Part conversion in step 2; The naming convention module is used to execute the J599Ⅲ series rule definitions in step 3; The electrical properties module is used to perform the electrical type and connection point definitions in steps 4 and 5. The path reading module is used to perform the VBA folder reading in step 6; The batch generation module is used to perform steps 7 to 10 to generate the bond, material, and spectrum models; The Catalog library management module is used to perform the model import and unified management in step 11.

[0037] This invention provides a method for creating and adding libraries of three-dimensional electronic components for connectors. It initializes and creates corresponding models based on STP models of different specifications provided by connector manufacturers, and creates connectors of different key positions, materials, and sizes in batches through folder retrieval, thus facilitating the construction of aerospace electronic components.

[0038] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for creating and adding library-based three-dimensional electronic components for connectors, characterized in that: Includes the following: S1. Collect STP format 3D models of connectors of different specifications provided by suppliers, and organize the model correspondence and data. S2. Convert the STP format model to CATIA Part format document using CATIA, unify the internal and external naming of the model, and complete the storage of parts; S3. Based on the GJB599 industry standard and the J599Ⅲ series naming rules, a preliminary definition of the connector model is made; S4. Define the electrical type of the connector model, assign electrical attributes to the model, and unify the model display color; S5. Create electrical connection points on the connector model, including mating points, bobbins, mating surfaces, and high-voltage dedicated connection point definitions; S6. Store the connector models in a unified directory, and use a VBA program to read all model files in the target path in batches to provide a data foundation for subsequent batch model conversion; S7. Trigger the storage path configuration pop-up window through the Excel tool, and set the storage directory of the derived model files in the pop-up window to store connector models with different key positions, materials and spectra; S8. Based on the naming rules in step S3 and the N / A / B / C / D / E key types, automatically modify the part number and document attributes using the VBA program to generate connector models with different key types in batches. S9. Select the document directory generated in step 8 as the basic data, and use the built-in material identifier array of the VBA program to automatically traverse all model files and modify the part number according to the material type, batch modify the part name and document attributes, and generate connector models of different materials. S10. Select the document directory generated in step 9 as the basic data, use the VBA program to automatically traverse all model files and modify the part number according to the material type through multiple sets of type code arrays, batch modify the part name and document attributes, generate connector models of different types and complete automatic storage. S11. Add the model generated in step S10 to the 3D electronic model database, classify and associate it by series and material, and import all series parts into the CATIA Catalog library to form a structured and callable 3D component library.

2. The method for creating and adding three-dimensional electronic components to a connector library according to claim 1, characterized in that: The naming rules for the J599Ⅲ series mentioned in step S3 include the series code, housing type, plating, housing number, node arrangement, contact type, and key identification field.

3. The method for creating and adding three-dimensional electronic components to a connector library according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S4, electrical properties are assigned to the 3D model of the connector using the electrical properties module of the CATIA software. During the model definition stage, the parameters of the pin and the termination are not set directly. All connector models are uniformly set to green for unified identification and management.

4. The method for creating and adding three-dimensional electronic components to a connector library according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, the electrical connection points include the connector body connection point, the tail accessory connection point, and the wire harness connection point; for the high-voltage 2-pin structure, two electrical connection points are set accordingly.

5. The method for creating and adding three-dimensional electronic components to a connector library according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S7, the Excel tool embeds a VBA program, which configures the storage path through a folder selector and an input box.

6. The method for creating and adding three-dimensional electronic components to a connector library according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S8, the VBA program can automatically modify the key field at the end of the part number, and generate and save connector models with different keys N, A, B, and C in sequence.

7. The method for creating and adding three-dimensional electronic components to a connector library according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material identifier array mentioned in step S9 contains F, M, J, and W coating material codes. The VBA program automatically modifies the corresponding fields in the part number to generate models of different materials.

8. The method for creating and adding three-dimensional electronic components to a connector library according to claim 1, characterized in that: The type spectrum encoding array mentioned in step S10 contains multiple sets of node arrangement codes. The VBA program automatically modifies the type spectrum field in the part number to generate models with different type spectra.

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