Method for planning cable runs

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method (12) for planning a 3D cable guide (17) in an electrical connector (1), comprising providing (13, 14, 15) one group (66, 68, 67) each of starting points (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23), end points (60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) and intermediate points (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) and initializing (16) cable run planning from at least one of the starting points to at least one of the end points through at least one of the intermediate points, the starting points being assignable to an input side (2) of an electrical connector and the end points being assignable to an output side (9) of an electrical connector, or vice versa, and at least one intermediate point being assignable to at least one cable.

Description

[0001] Procedures for planning cable routes

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a computer-implemented method. The invention relates to a connector or a digital twin of a connector. The invention relates to a computing device. The invention relates to a computer program product. The invention relates to an electronic signal. The invention relates to a method for producing a connector.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Connectors are well-known from the state of the art. These can be designed and manufactured according to customer requirements. The connectors may be constructed from modular components that can be combined to create a variety of different connector types, for example, via a plug-in system of the individual components.

[0006] The routing of cables or conductor tracks in a three-dimensional space of a connector can take on a multitude of configurations, which increases exponentially with the number of connector types available and with the number of cables or conductor tracks to be arranged / arrangable in them.

[0007] The multitude of possible connector types leads to increasing demands on the design, construction, installation and use of connectors.

[0008] Task

[0009] The applicant follows the safety precautions known and feasible at the date of filing and implements them with the utmost care. However, the applicant strives to continuously develop and improve safety in the design, construction, and installation of connectors. Therefore, the object of the invention is to further improve safety in the design, construction, installation, and / or use of connectors.

[0010] The object of the invention is to improve the handling of a construction, a structure and an installation.

[0011] The object of the invention is to increase the efficiency of a design, a construction and an installation, as well as a use of a connector, in order to save resources.

[0012] The problem is solved by a computer-implemented method having the features of claim 1. The problem is solved by a connector or a digital twin of a connector having the features of claim 9. The problem is solved by a computing device having the features of claim 10. The problem is solved by a computer program product having the features of claim 11. The problem is solved by an electronic signal having the features of claim 12. The problem is solved by a method for producing a connector having the features of claim 13.

[0013] According to one aspect, the problem is solved by a computer-implemented method having the features of claim 1.

[0014] In this case, a computer-implemented method can be designed to optimize a 3D cable routing in a connector. In this case, the method can comprise the step of providing at least one set of starting points. In this case, the method can comprise the step of providing at least one set of end points. In this case, the method can comprise the step of providing at least one set of intermediate points. In this case, the method can comprise the step of initializing a cable route plan from at least one of the starting points to at least one of the end points through at least one of the intermediate points. In this case, the starting points can be assigned to an input side of a connector. In this case, the end points can be assigned to an output side of a connector. Alternatively, the starting points can be assigned to an output side of a connector.The endpoints can be assigned to an input side of a connector. At least one intermediate point can be assigned to at least one cable. This can improve safety during the design, assembly, installation, and / or use of connectors. It can also improve the handling of the design, assembly, and installation. This can increase the efficiency of the design, assembly, installation, and use of a connector, thereby saving resources.

[0015] The planning, in particular the optimization, of a 3D cable routing in a connector relates in particular to the planning of the route of a cable or a cable core. In this case, optimization can be carried out in particular such that a cable length is adapted to an installation situation, in particular has an optimized length, such as a specific length from a starting point to an end point. Alternatively or additionally, the cable length can be particularly short. This also allows the transmission times of electrical signals to be optimized, in particular particularly short. An optimization can also have a bending radius that optimizes, i.e. in particular minimizes, material stress. Additionally or alternatively, planning can optimize, in particular minimize, the tensile forces acting on starting points and / or end points or any cable connections prescribed there.

[0016] Here and elsewhere, the term "cable" refers in particular to cables in the sense that the cables have insulation. Alternatively or additionally, there may also be embodiments in which conductor cores are provided, which can in particular be provided without insulation. An optimization could be such that the conductor cores do not touch each other. Cables can be ribbon cables in certain embodiments. Cables can also have round cross-sections. Oval cross-sections, as well as square cross-sections, are also possible.

[0017] The term 3D cable routing refers in particular to the planning of a cable route, a so-called cable route planning, in a three-dimensional space, in order to determine or plan the cable arrangements in this three-dimensional space.

[0018] The three-dimensional space can be, for example, the interior of a connector. This can, in particular, be a hollow space within a connector. A hollow space can, in particular, also be a cavity. The three-dimensional space can also contain constrictions through which cables are to be routed. Alternatively or additionally, the three-dimensional space can also contain branches.

[0019] Three-dimensional space can be described in Euclidean coordinates, cylindrical coordinates, and / or spherical coordinates. This description refers in particular to a description of a digital twin, as described elsewhere. Here and elsewhere, the statements made are not limited to a real, i.e., physically and haptically existing connector. Rather, it can be a digital twin of a connector, as described elsewhere.

[0020] Providing a set of points, such as a set of starting points, a set of intermediate points, and / or a set of end points, can in particular refer to a digital presentation of these points. The points can be arranged in a digital coordinate system, as described elsewhere, in such a way that they can be made available for route finding, as described elsewhere.

[0021] The set of starting points can refer, in particular, to a multitude of points located at a starting point for route finding. Alternatively or additionally, the term "starting point" can also refer to an origin of a cable and / or a conductor track. A starting point, also referred to as an origin, is located, in particular, on an "input side" in a signal transmission direction, i.e., in particular, in an area from which signals are received.

[0022] The set of intermediate points can be defined as points in a (digital) spatial volume area in which the cables are to run. The intermediate points can thus be used to plan, in particular to optimize, the 3D cable routing through this spatial volume area. There may be embodiments in which route finding, in particular as described elsewhere, can occur without providing intermediate points. In these embodiments, only a set of starting points and / or end points can be presented or provided. The set of intermediate points can also serve as a starting point for route finding, as described elsewhere.

[0023] The set of endpoints can refer, in particular, to a multitude of points located at an endpoint for route determination. Alternatively or additionally, the term "endpoint" can also refer to an endpoint of a cable and / or a conductor track. An endpoint can be located at an "output side" in a signal transmission direction, i.e., in an area to which signals are forwarded in a connector.

[0024] According to one aspect, cable routing planning can include at least one route finding process. This can improve safety during a design, assembly, installation, and / or use of connectors. It can also improve the handling of a design, assembly, and installation. This can increase the efficiency of a design, assembly, installation, and connector use, thereby saving resources.

[0025] Route finding can be an algorithm that makes it possible to plan or optimize a cable route, as described elsewhere. A cable can be planned from a starting point via an intermediate point to an end point. The route of a cable can be a corresponding route. A large number of possible routes can be planned using the set of intermediate points, whereby the intermediate points can serve in particular as support points for a route (and thus for a cable route). In particular, in a first approximation (or after an initial optimization), it can be provided that the route is planned in such a way that one of the intermediate points is included in a route or becomes part of this route. The intermediate points therefore form in particular part of a cable route.

[0026] It may be provided that one of the starting points is predefined, as it is to be connected to an end point. A starting point may be specified by the customer because it matches the assignment for a cable that can be connected to the connector. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the end points are defined by the customer in order to match the plug-in structure assignment of an output side.

[0027] In alternative embodiments, it can be provided that all sets of points are free for route planning, so that they can be included in one or more routes and thus in one or more cable runs. This allows, in particular, a connector assignment on an input side and / or an output side to be free. This allows optimization across all sets of points.

[0028] It may also be provided that a first cable routing plan is further optimized in a second optimization. There may also be embodiments in which the intermediate points initially set or included in a first route plan can be moved to further optimize the route finding process.

[0029] According to one aspect, route finding may comprise at least one algorithm selected from a Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT), an RRT-connect, an RRT-Bidirect, an artificial neural network architecture (ANN), and / or a Static (Feedforward) Neural Network (SNN). This may improve safety during the design, construction, installation, and / or use of connectors. The handling of a design, construction, and installation may also be improved. This may increase the efficiency of a design, construction, installation, and use of a connector, thereby saving resources.

[0030] A Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) is a search algorithm that randomly searches high-dimensional search spaces—in this case, a three-dimensional Euclidean space, but also in spherical and / or cylindrical coordinates—for possible paths. An RRT can also have an underlying tree data structure. A graph can be used to search for the shortest path from A to B. A so-called Voronoi bias can be used to divide the three-dimensional space, also known as the problem space, into uniform regions (volume elements). The graph can be extended with new nodes at any random location. The Voronoi bias allows for the solution of geometric path planning problems, such as the cable routing problem described here.The graph can be expanded wherever the three-dimensional space has not yet been well illuminated. Illumination refers, in particular, to the corresponding coverage by the graph. This makes it possible to plan cable routings that, for example, lead through forks in a connector housing and / or through a constriction in a connector housing and then branch off (i.e., coming from a starting point), as is the case with (complicated) labyrinths. New nodes can be added at any point for this purpose. The Voronoi bias is used, in particular, to control the growth of the RRT tree. This can also be referred to as "guided policy search" or "shaping."The three-dimensional space can be divided into corresponding volume elements, each of which creates a new node, particularly in an area where the density of existing nodes is lowest. The probability that a node is selected for expansion is proportional to the volume of its Voronoi volume.

[0031] The set of starting points, the set of intermediate points, and / or the set of end points can be used to enable a corresponding cable routing plan, as these points serve at least partially as a basis for specifying the described (initial) nodes. This allows the initial nodes to be specified for planning a corresponding cable routing.

[0032] An RRT-connect is, in particular, an algorithm based on an RRT, as described elsewhere. In other words, an RRT-connect is a variant of RRT. An RRT-connect can accelerate cable routing planning.

[0033] In particular, at least two "trees" (branching digital path structure) "grow" from both a source - the starting points - and a destination - the endpoints -, especially until they meet. Alternatively or additionally, the intermediate points can also serve as a source and / or destination. This allows the intermediate points to be the starting point of a growing path (and thus a growing cable route) to an endpoint. Alternatively or additionally, the intermediate points can be the starting point of a growing path to a starting point. Alternatively or additionally, an RRT connect can be provided to perform cable routing planning. An RRT connect allows the trees and thus the path layouts to grow towards one another instead of towards random configurations.The growth rate of a tree can be increased in particular if the tree can grow in several iterative steps instead of just one step at a time.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, an RRT bidirect can be provided to carry out route planning. An RRT bidirect is a variant of an RRT and in particular also a variant of an RRT connect. In particular, it can be provided that exactly two paths grow until they meet, in particular starting from a start point and an end point. In other words, in particular a tree can grow from a start point in order to carry out cable routing planning in one direction. At the same time, a tree can grow from an end point in order to carry out cable routing planning in the opposite direction. In this case, it can be provided that the two trees meet, in particular that the two paths meet. In one embodiment, the trees meet in particular at one of the intermediate points, whereby a path can be formed. In particular, it can be provided that the path forms a cable route.This cable routing can correspond to a real cable route if the connector is simulated by a digital twin.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, a machine learning model, such as an artificial neural network architecture (ANN for short), can be provided to perform route planning. A machine learning model, particularly the ANN, can be trained, in particular based on previously implemented connectors and / or connector parts that are designed and arranged to accommodate implemented cable routes. In particular, selected cable routes that are considered optimized can be used for supervised or guided training of the ANN (ANN for short), in order to feed these routes into the machine learning model.By using an ANN, existing and already optimized architectures of connectors and / or cable routes can be utilized to realize the advantages and effects described elsewhere. This can accelerate cable routing planning, and the results can be output in an optimized manner because the ANN has been trained on real connectors that have been deemed satisfactory. This also allows predictions to be made for previously unimplemented connectors and the cable routes to be arranged within them, which can be created as described elsewhere.

[0036] As an example of an ANN, a static (feedforward) neural network (SNN) can be used to perform cable routing planning. SNNs are designed in such a way that the nodes of the network (in this case, in particular, the nodes of the ANN / SNN, not the resulting path) are not cyclically connected. This architecture can be particularly stable and delivers particularly reproducible results.

[0037] According to one aspect, preprocessing of a cable routing can precede route finding. This can, in particular, enable (further) optimization of a cable routing path. A cable routing can simulate a cable routing, in particular digitally. It can also be provided that a correspondingly optimized cable routing can be implemented in a digital twin. In this context, preprocessing of a cable routing can be a first draft of a cable path. This can, in particular, be determined by a previously described cable routing planning in order to subsequently be able to further optimize the resulting cable routing plan. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that a cable routing is presented, for example by specifying a first draft of a corresponding route. The preprocessing can include the creation of such a cable routing.Alternatively or additionally, the preprocessing may include an initial optimization.

[0038] In one aspect, route finding can involve iterative cable routing planning. This can make it possible to approximate route finding step by step.

[0039] In this case, iterative cable routing planning may involve performing multiple steps, as described elsewhere. Alternatively or additionally, provision may be made for only one step to be performed at a time. Provision may be made for the step and / or steps to start from one node and / or multiple nodes to perform cable routing planning, as described elsewhere. In particular, if multiple steps can be provided, this allows for faster coverage (compared to any existing approaches) of a connector interior to form a path and thus plan a cable routing.

[0040] According to one aspect, at least one of the following boundary conditions can be included in route determination: a specification of at least one cable route as an obstacle for further paths for cable routes, an interaction model, in particular an atom model, with respect to at least one cable, a specification of a wire length, a specification of a bending radius, in particular a bending radius limit, a collision avoidance, in particular an optimized obstacle avoidance, and / or a specification of at least one part of a connector housing. This can prevent unrealistic paths. This can determine physically realizable paths in order to carry out cable routing planning and to be able to replicate correspondingly determined cable paths in reality.

[0041] In this case, specifying at least one cable route as an obstacle to further cable routing paths can prevent the determination of intersecting paths. This would result in intersecting cable routes being planned, which would be physically impossible. Such a specification can be implemented, in particular, using an interaction model, particularly an atomic model, with respect to at least one cable.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, a specified wire length can be provided. In this case, a wire length can be designed in particular to prevent excessive lengths. Alternatively or additionally, however, excessively short cables can also be prevented, which could otherwise lead to stress points at the cable anchors in a connector. Such anchors (also called connections) can be formed in at least one of an input side and / or an output side to anchor the cables.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, a specification can be the specification of a bending radius, in particular a bending radius limit. This can, in particular, be specified directly. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that, for example, an atomic model of a cable and / or a simulation of material properties, such as an attraction model and / or a repulsion model, determines a bending radius, which can be optimized to achieve a force minimum. A bending radius limit can, in particular, serve to prevent cable breakage.

[0044] In particular, a collision avoidance feature, particularly an optimized one, can be provided, which prevents certain collision situations, such as with other cables and / or with the connector housing, from occurring during cable routing planning. Alternatively or additionally, a particularly optimized obstacle avoidance feature can be provided, which prevents collisions, for example, with parts of a connector housing, from occurring during cable routing planning.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, a specification can be a specification of at least part of a connector housing. In particular, the connector housing can be simulated using an atomic model to create a digital twin, as described elsewhere. This makes it possible to include the connector housing as an obstacle in the cable routing planning. Alternatively or additionally, the connector housing can also be only partially simulated as an atomic model, for example, to save computing power, whereby certain areas can also be simulated in sections. It can also be provided that a planned optimization of the connector housing specifies how the connector housing is digitally simulated.

[0046] According to one aspect, at least part of a connector housing can be adapted to a cable route. This also allows the connector housing to be optimized. In this case, it can be provided that, in particular, a spatial volume is specified as the connector housing, which can then be optimized, in particular iteratively. In this case, an optimization can relate in particular to a volume reduction. Alternatively or simultaneously, it can be provided that certain boundary conditions, such as force absorption in the connector housing, can be included in an optimization. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the adaptation of a connector housing to a cable route maintains a distance from at least one of the cables.

[0047] According to one aspect, route finding may involve machine learning, in particular using a machine learning model. This may, in particular, provide for training a machine learning model, as described elsewhere. It may also be provided to use an ANN and / or an SNN to perform route finding.

[0048] According to an independent aspect, a connector may be provided that is formed according to a method as described elsewhere. Alternatively or additionally, a digital connector may be provided that is formed according to a method as described elsewhere. In particular, it may be provided that a connector can be formed according to the template of a digital twin of the connector. In this regard, a method for producing a connector may also be provided that enables the realization of a digital template in the form of the digital twin of a connector into a real, physically tangible connector.

[0049] A connector can be described by the features, properties, and advantages as described with respect to a method, a digital twin of a connector, a computing device, a control device, a computer program product, an electronic signal, and / or a manufacturing method. Features, properties, and advantages as presented with respect to a connector can describe a method, a digital twin of a connector, a computing device, a control device, a computer program product, an electronic signal, and / or a manufacturing method.

[0050] A digital twin of a connector can be described by the features, properties, and advantages as described with respect to a method, a connector, a computing device, a control device, a computer program product, an electronic signal, and / or a manufacturing method. Features, properties, and advantages as presented with respect to a digital twin of a connector can describe a method, a connector, a computing device, a control device, a computer program product, an electronic signal, and / or a manufacturing method.

[0051] A digital twin is, in particular, a digital replica of a connector as it can be formed in reality. In particular, a digital twin can be designed as an electronic signal to contain information about the physical and / or geometric properties of a connector. The electronic signal, as well as information stored as a digital twin, can contain information about physical properties, such as material properties. These material properties can include expansion coefficients, thermal and / or electrical conductivity values, expansion coefficients, and other physical parameters that can also be experimentally verifiable. In other words, this means that a digital twin can be a digital representation of a real object.Alternatively or additionally, a digital twin can be a digital representation of a realizable object, which can therefore be manufactured, in particular, using a manufacturing method as described elsewhere. The digital twin can serve, in particular, as a template. The digital twin can also be described as machine-readable code that encodes the properties and / or shapes of a real or realizable object and can be read by a computing device to generate electronic signals for a control device to control a device that allows the object to be manufactured, as described elsewhere.

[0052] According to an independent aspect, a computing device can be provided, designed and configured to perform a method as described elsewhere, in particular when a computer program product, in particular as described elsewhere, is executed on the computing device. The computing device can also be connected to a control device in such a way as to enable a manufacturing method for producing a connector, in particular based on a digital template in the form of a digital twin of a connector, as described elsewhere.

[0053] A computing device can be described by the features, properties, and advantages as described with respect to a method, a connector, a digital twin of a connector, a computer program product, a control device, an electronic signal, and / or a manufacturing method. Features, properties, and advantages as presented with respect to a computing device can describe a method, a connector, a digital twin of a connector, a control device, a computer program product, an electronic signal, and / or a manufacturing method.

[0054] A computing device can have a control device. This can also have a memory device, which can be designed to store a computer program product. Alternatively or additionally, a digital twin, as described elsewhere, can be stored. In particular, it can be provided that the computer program product is executed on a computing device, for example if it is present on a memory device, in order to control a control device. In this case, for example, a device can be controlled in order to carry out a manufacturing method, as described elsewhere. In this case, for example, a device for manufacturing using an additive method can be controlled. In particular, a 3D printer can be controlled in order to form at least part of a connector.Alternatively or additionally, a device, such as a robot, can be controlled to lay at least one cable according to a specification of a digital twin or a cable routing plan laid out therein.

[0055] According to an independent aspect, a computer program product may be provided which is designed to carry out a method, in particular as described elsewhere, when it is executed on a computing device, in particular as described elsewhere.

[0056] A computer program product can be described by the features, properties, and advantages as described with respect to a method, a connector, a digital twin of a connector, a computer program product, a control device, a computing device, an electronic signal, and / or a manufacturing method. Features, properties, and advantages as presented with respect to a computer program product can describe a method, a connector, a digital twin of a connector, a computing device, a control device, a computer program product, an electronic signal, and / or a manufacturing method.

[0057] A computer program product can, in particular, be designed to trigger control instructions for a computing device and / or a control device in order to execute a method for planning a cable routing and / or for producing a connector. Alternatively or additionally, the computer program product can also have a digital twin, as described elsewhere.

[0058] According to an independent aspect, an electronic signal may be provided comprising a digital twin as described elsewhere.

[0059] An electronic signal can be described by the features, properties, and advantages as described with respect to a method, a connector, a digital twin of a connector, a computer program product, a control device, a computing device, and / or a manufacturing method. Features, properties, and advantages as presented with respect to an electronic signal can describe a method, a connector, a digital twin of a connector, a computing device, a control device, a computer program product, and / or a manufacturing method. An electronic signal can, in particular, also be a control signal for a control device in order to enable manufacturing, as described elsewhere.The electronic signal may alternatively or additionally have a digital twin to enable the formation of a connector and / or to enable a method for planning a cable routing.

[0060] According to an independent aspect, a method for producing a connector can be provided. The method can comprise at least the step of producing a connector housing of a connector, as described elsewhere. The method can enable at least the step of producing a connector housing of a connector based on a digital template in the form of a digital twin, as described elsewhere. The method can comprise the step of laying at least one cable route in a connector housing according to a cable route plan, in particular planned and / or optimized, as described elsewhere.The method may comprise at least the step of accepting an electronic signal, as described elsewhere, in order to transfer it to a computing device, in particular to a control device, as described elsewhere, in order to control a device for producing a connector in such a way as to produce a connector housing and / or a cable run in a connector housing.

[0061] An electronic signal can be described by the features, properties, and advantages as described with respect to a method, a connector, a digital twin of a connector, a computer program product, a control device, a computing device, and / or a manufacturing method. Features, properties, and advantages as presented with respect to an electronic signal can describe a method, a connector, a digital twin of a connector, a computing device, a control device, a computer program product, and / or a manufacturing method.

[0062] An electronic signal can in particular also be a control signal to enable production, as described elsewhere.

[0063] Example

[0064] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show:

[0065] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a method;

[0066] Fig. 2 is a representation of an embodiment of a digital twin of a connector or a connector;

[0067] Fig. 3 a provision of sets of starting points, intermediate points and end points;

[0068] Fig. 4 shows an adaptation of a connector housing; and Fig. 5 shows a representation of non-optimized cable routing.

[0069] The figures contain partially simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for identical, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of identical elements may be scaled differently.

[0070] Directional indications such as “left”, “right”, “top” and “bottom” are to be understood with reference to the respective figure and can vary in the individual representations compared to the object depicted.

[0071] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a computer-implemented method 12. A computing device 69 can be designed and arranged, for example in a device (not shown), to carry out a manufacturing method by transmitting an electronic signal 73 to a control device 70, wherein a digital twin 74 can be transmitted which can be generated according to a computer-implemented method 12.

[0072] The computer-implemented method 12 is particularly designed to plan a 3D cable routing 17 in a connector 1. Planning can, in particular, comprise optimization. The method can comprise a step of providing 13 at least one set 66 of starting points 18, ..., 23. Reference is made here to Figures 2 and 3, as well as the related description, to explain a method sequence by way of example, also using a digital twin 74.

[0073] The method may comprise a step of providing 14 at least one set 68 of endpoints 60, ..., 65. Reference is made here to Figures 2 and 3, as well as the related description, in order to explain a method sequence by way of example, also using a digital twin 74.

[0074] The method may include a step of providing 15 at least one set 67 of intermediate points 31, ..., 36. There may be embodiments in which the intermediate points 31, ..., 36 are not provided. Reference is made here to Figures 2 and 3, as well as the related description, to explain a method sequence by way of example, also using a digital twin 74.

[0075] The method may include a step of initialization 16 of a

[0076] Cable routing planning from at least one of the starting points 18, ... , 23 to at least one of the end points 60, 65 by at least one of the

[0077] Intermediate points 31 , ... ,36.

[0078] Figure 2 shows an exemplary representation of an embodiment of a digital twin 74 of a connector 1. In this case, a connector 1 can be realistically simulated or has been realistically simulated. In this case, an optimized 3D cable routing 17 is shown in Figure 2. In particular, the bending radii are designed in such a way to reduce material stress. Alternatively or additionally, the material stresses on the cables 4, ..., 8, 11 or on their contacts (not shown) can be optimized on an input side 2 and / or on an output side 9. The contacts can in particular be designed in such a way to form an electrically conductive contact with the cables 4, ..., 11 in order to be able to electrically connect an input side 2 to an output side 9.In this case, a connecting piece 42 can be formed in a connector housing 10 in order to connect the connector housing 42 with a connection (not shown) for the connector 1. The cables 4, ..., 8, 11 run in particular in a connector interior 3, which is designed in particular as a hollow space.

[0079] Figure 3 shows a provision 13 of sets of starting points 18, 19, ... , 23, intermediate points 31 , ... , 36 and end points 60, ... , 65.

[0080] The starting points 18, ..., 23 can be assigned in particular to an input side 2 of a connector 1. The end points 60, ..., 65 can be assigned to an output side 9 of a connector 1. At least one intermediate point 31, ..., 36 can be assigned to at least one cable 4, ..., 8, 11.

[0081] Alternatively, the starting points 18, ..., 23 can be assigned to an output side 9 of a connector 1. The end points 60, ..., 65 can be assigned to an input side 2 of a connector 1. At least one intermediate point 31, ..., 36 can be assigned to at least one cable 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11. This is not shown in Figure 3.

[0082] The starting points 18, ..., 23 can in particular be assigned to cable inputs 24, ..., 29. These can in particular also have contacts that can be designed as holding devices for the cables 4, ..., 8, 11. The contacts are not shown here for reasons of clarity.

[0083] The role of the input side 2 or the output side 9 can be defined according to the role of the connector 1. In particular, an input side 2 can have an input of electrical signals via the cables 4, ..., 11. In particular, an output side 9 can have an output of electrical signals via the cables 4, ..., 8, 11.

[0084] The intermediate points 31, ..., 36 are assigned in particular to a connector interior 3 in order to guide the 3D cable guide 17 through the three-dimensional space enclosed by the connector housing 10. Here, only by way of example, an intermediate point 31, ..., 36 is provided for each starting point 18, ..., 23 or for each end point 60, ..., 65. Here, the order of these sets 66, 67, 68 is identical to one another. There may be embodiments in which this order is not identical. It is merely necessary to ensure that a cable follows a defined path.

[0085] The connector housing 10 can be modeled, in particular, by atomic representations 37, ..., 40. This can also apply, as shown in Figure 2, to the cables 4, ..., 8, 11. As a result, an atomic model can be configured to specify bending radii for the cables, for example, by optimizing a corresponding force model, for example, based on repulsion, attraction, and / or spring forces.

[0086] Planning a 3D cable route 17 can include a first optimization, as already described. Additionally, a second optimization can also be performed. This can, in particular, include the optimization of a first cable routing plan (not shown here). There can also be embodiments in which the intermediate points 31, ..., 36 initially set or included in a first cable routing plan can be moved to further optimize route finding.

[0087] Route finding—both the first and, if applicable, the second optimization—can involve at least one algorithm selected from a rapidly exploring random tree (RRT), an RRT-connect, an RRT-bidirect, an artificial neural network architecture (ANN), and / or a static (feedforward) neural network (SNN). These are described in detail elsewhere. Reference is made to these explanations, and a repetition is recommended for the sake of readability and conciseness.

[0088] The set 66 of starting points 18, ... , 23, the set 67 of intermediate points 31, ... , 36, and / or the set 68 of end points 60, ... , 65 can be used to enable a corresponding cable routing plan, as these points serve at least partially as a basis for specifying the described nodes. This allows the initial nodes—in the form of points—to be specified to plan a corresponding cable routing.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, a machine learning model, such as an artificial neural network architecture (ANN for short), can be provided to perform route planning. A machine learning model, in particular the ANN, can be trained, in particular based on previously implemented connectors 1 and / or parts of connectors 1 that are designed and arranged to accommodate implemented cable routes 58. In particular, selected cable routes 58 that are considered optimized can be used for supervised or guided training of the ANN (ANN for short), in order to feed these routes into the machine learning model.By using an ANN, it is possible to use existing and already optimized architectures of connectors 1 and / or cable routes in order to realize the advantages and effects described elsewhere.

[0090] An example of an ANN could be a static (feedforward) neural network (SNN) designed to perform route planning. SNNs are specifically designed so that the network nodes are not cyclically connected. This architecture can be particularly stable and delivers particularly reproducible results.

[0091] At least one of the following boundary conditions can be included in route determination: a specification of at least one cable route 58 as an obstacle for further paths for cable routes 58, an interaction model, in particular an atom model, with respect to at least one cable 4, ..., 8, 11, a specification of a wire length (also called cable length), a specification of a bending radius, in particular a bending radius limit, a, in particular optimized, collision avoidance, a, in particular optimized, obstacle avoidance and / or a specification of at least one part of a connector housing 10. This can prevent unrealistic paths. This can determine physically realizable paths in order to carry out cable routing planning in order to be able to replicate correspondingly determined cable paths (corresponding to the cable routes) in reality.

[0092] In this case, specifying at least one cable route 58 as an obstacle to further paths for cable routes 58 can prevent the determination of intersecting paths. This would result in the planning of intersecting cable routes 58, which would be physically impossible. Such a specification can be implemented, in particular, by an interaction model, in particular an atomic model, with respect to at least one cable 4, ..., 8, 11. Reference is made in particular to Fig. 5 to illustrate and describe the corresponding consequences.

[0093] Alternatively or additionally, a specification of a wire length (also called cable length) can be provided. In this case, a wire length can be designed in particular to prevent excess lengths. Alternatively or additionally, however, cables 4, ..., 8, 11 that are too short can also be prevented, which could otherwise lead to stress points at anchors of the cables 4, ..., 8, 11 in a connector 1. Such anchors (also called connections) can be formed in at least one of an input side 2 and / or an output side 9 in order to anchor the cables 4, ..., 8, 11. In this case, particular reference is made to Fig. 5 to illustrate and describe the corresponding consequences.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, a specification can be the specification of a bending radius, in particular a bending radius limit. This can, in particular, be specified directly. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that, for example, an atomic model of a cable 4, ..., 8, 11 and / or a simulation of material properties, such as an attraction model and / or a repulsion model, determines a bending radius by performing optimization to achieve a force minimum. Reference is made in particular to Fig. 5 to illustrate and describe the corresponding consequences.

[0095] In particular, a collision avoidance, particularly an optimized one, can be provided, which makes it possible for certain collision situations, for example with other cables 4, ..., 8, 11, to be prevented during cable routing planning. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that a particularly optimized obstacle avoidance is designed, which makes it possible for no collision, for example with parts of a connector housing 10, to occur during cable routing planning. Reference is made in particular to Fig.

[0096] 5 to illustrate and describe the relevant consequences.

[0097] At least a portion of a connector housing 10 can be predefined to prevent cables 4, ..., 8, 11 from overlapping with the connector housing 10. The connector housing 10 can be modeled, in particular, using an atomic model to create a digital twin 74, as described elsewhere. This makes it possible to include the connector housing 10 as an obstacle in the cable routing planning. Reference is made in particular to Fig. 5 to illustrate and describe the corresponding consequences.

[0098] Route finding for planning the cable routes 58 can involve machine learning, in particular using a machine learning model, as described elsewhere. This can, in particular, provide for training a machine learning model, as described elsewhere. It can also be provided to use an ANN and / or an SNN to perform the route finding. Reference is made to the explanations above, and a corresponding repetition is omitted for reasons of compactness and readability.

[0099] Figure 4 shows, in particular, a precursor of a connector housing 10 in a digital twin 74 for performing an adaptation 59 of a connector housing 10. A precursor 41 of a connector housing 10 is formed that does not correspond to the final version of a connector housing 10. The precursor 41 of the connector housing 10 can be formed by atomic representations 43, ..., 52. A model can also be formed to optimize the connector housing 10 and, in particular, to adapt it to a cable routing 58.

[0100] This allows at least a portion of a connector housing 10 to be adapted to a cable routing 58. This also allows the connector housing 10 to be optimized.

[0101] In this case, it can be provided that, in particular, a spatial volume is specified as the connector housing 10, which can then be iteratively optimized. In this case, an optimization can relate, in particular, to a volume reduction. Alternatively or simultaneously, it can be provided that certain boundary conditions, such as forces absorbed by the connector housing 10, can be included in the optimization. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the adaptation of a connector housing 10 to a cable run maintains a distance from at least one of the cables 4, ..., 8, 11.

[0102] Figure 5 shows exemplary cable runs 58 in a

[0103] Connector interior 3 in a connector housing 10, for which the boundary conditions described elsewhere are not set or are not set correctly. Alternatively or additionally, a second optimization may not have been carried out yet. Alternatively or additionally, a model, such as an atomic model, may not have been used, or the wrong model, in particular an atomic model, may have been used. This may result in unrealistic bending radii 54, an overlap 55 between cable runs 58, and an overlap 56 between cables 4, ..., 8, 11 and connector housing 10. A cable length 57 may also not be adjusted, in particular not be optimized, which is why stresses can develop at at least one contact point of the cables 4, ..., 8, 11 on an output side 9 and / or an input side 2.

[0104] "May" refers in particular to optional features of the invention. Accordingly, there are also further developments and / or embodiments of the invention that additionally or alternatively comprise the respective feature(s).

[0105] If necessary, isolated features may also be selected from the combinations of features disclosed here and used in combination with other features to define the subject matter of the claim, dissolving any structural and / or functional connection that may exist between the features.

[0106] Procedures for planning cable routes

[0107] List of reference symbols

[0108] connectors

[0109] Entrance page

[0110] Connector interior

[0111] Cable

[0112] Cable

[0113] Cable

[0114] Cable

[0115] Cable

[0116] Home page

[0117] Connector housing

[0118] Cable

[0119] Proceedings

[0120] Providing at least one set of starting points

[0121] Deploy at least one set of endpoints

[0122] Providing at least one set of intermediate points

[0123] Initialization of a cable routing plan

[0124] 3D cable routing

[0125] Starting point

[0126] Starting point

[0127] Starting point

[0128] Starting point

[0129] Starting point

[0130] Starting point

[0131] Cable input

[0132] Cable input

[0133] Cable input

[0134] Cable input Cable input

[0135] Cable input

[0136] Cable outlet

[0137] Intermediate point

[0138] Intermediate point

[0139] Intermediate point

[0140] Intermediate point

[0141] Intermediate point

[0142] Intermediate point

[0143] Point of a connector housing

[0144] Point of a connector housing

[0145] Point of a connector housing

[0146] Point of a connector housing on one end face

[0147] Representation of a precursor to a connector housing

[0148] connecting piece

[0149] Atomic representation of a representation of a precursor of a

[0150] Connector housing

[0151] Atomic representation of a representation of a precursor of a

[0152] Connector housing

[0153] Atomic representation of a representation of a precursor of a

[0154] Connector housing

[0155] Atomic representation of a representation of a precursor of a

[0156] Connector housing

[0157] Atomic representation of a representation of a precursor of a

[0158] Connector housing

[0159] Atomic representation of a representation of a precursor of a

[0160] Connector housing

[0161] Atomic representation of a representation of a precursor of a

[0162] Connector housing

[0163] Atomic representation of a representation of a precursor of a

[0164] Connector housing atomic representation of a representation of a precursor of a

[0165] Connector housing

[0166] Atomic representation of a representation of a precursor of a

[0167] Connector housing

[0168] Route finding unrealistic bending radius

[0169] Overlap between cable runs

[0170] Overlap with connector housing unoptimized cable length

[0171] Cable routing

[0172] Adaptation of a connector housing

[0173] Endpoint

[0174] Endpoint

[0175] Endpoint

[0176] Endpoint

[0177] Endpoint

[0178] Endpoint

[0179] Set of starting points

[0180] set of intermediate points

[0181] Set of endpoints

[0182] computing device

[0183] Control device

[0184] Storage device

[0185] computer program product electronic signal digital twin

[0186] Atomic representation of a cable

Claims

Procedures for planning cable routes Claims 1 . Computer-implemented method (12) designed to plan, in particular to optimize, a 3D cable routing (17) in a connector (1), the method comprising the steps of: providing (13) at least one set (66) of starting points (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23), providing (14) at least one set (68) of end points (60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65), providing (15) at least one set (67) of intermediate points (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36), initializing (16) a cable routing plan from at least one of the starting points (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23) to at least one of the end points (60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) through at least one of the intermediate points (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36); wherein the starting points (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23) can be assigned to an input side (2) of a connector (1) and wherein the end points (60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) can be assigned to an output side (9) of a connector (1);or wherein the starting points (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23) are assignable to an output side (2) of a connector (1), and wherein the end points (60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) are assignable to an input side (2) of a connector (1); and wherein at least one intermediate point (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) is assignable to at least one cable.

2. Method (12) according to claim 1, wherein the cable routing planning comprises at least one route finding (53).

3. Method (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the route finding (53) comprises at least one of the following algorithms selected from: - a Rapidly-exploring Random Tree - RRT; - an RRT connect; - an RRT bidirect; - an artificial neural network architecture - ANN; and - a static (feedforward) neural network - SNN.

4. Method (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a preprocessing of a cable routing precedes the route finding (53).

5. Method (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein route finding (53) comprises iterative cable routing planning.

6. Method (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following conditions, in particular boundary conditions, is included in a route finding (53): - a specification of at least one cable route as an obstacle to further cable routing paths; - an interaction model, in particular an atomic model, with respect to at least one cable; - a specification of a wire length; - a specification of a bending radius, in particular a bending radius limit; - collision avoidance, particularly optimised collision avoidance; - an, in particular optimized, obstacle avoidance; and - a specification of at least part of a connector housing.

7. Method (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of a connector housing (10) is adapted to a cable run.

8. Method (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein route finding (53) comprises machine learning, in particular by means of a machine learning model.

9. Connector (1) or digital twin (74) of a connector (1), formed according to a method (12) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Computing device (69) designed and configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Computer program product (72) designed to carry out a method (12) according to one of claims 1 to 9 when executed on a computing device (69), in particular according to claim 10.

12. Electronic signal (73) comprising a digital twin (74) according to claim 9.

13. A method for producing a connector (1), comprising at least one of the steps: - Production of a connector housing of a connector (1) according to claim 9, - manufacturing a connector housing of a connector (1) based on a digital template in the form of a digital twin (74) according to claim 9; - producing a cable routing (58) according to a cable routing plan, in particular an optimized cable routing plan, wherein the cable routing plan is determined according to a method according to one of claims 1 to 8; - Acceptance of an electronic signal (73) according to claim 12 in order to transfer it to a computing device (69) according to claim 11 of a control device (70) in order to control a device for producing a connector (1) in such a way as to produce a connector housing and / or a cable run (58) in a connector housing.

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