System for assisting in the insertion of cables into connectors

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for assisting in the insertion of cables into the connectors, i.e. a plugging-assistance system designed to facilitate, secure and optimize the connection of cables to various types of connectors. The system consists of a device configured to facilitate the accurate insertion of cables into electrical connectors, while minimizing human error and increasing the efficiency of the plugging process. This system is characterized by ease of handling, ergonomic use, reliability and effectiveness in the insertion-assistance process. This system is made up of several elements, such as a display panel for displaying data during the insertion operation, a connector support for holding the connector that is the object of the plugging operation while ensuring perpendicularity between the connector and the display panel, an RFID tag integrated into the connector support for identifying the type of connector used, an assembly comprising a color-reading optical sensor and a reflector for reliable reading of the color of the cable, and an optical sensor for reading 1D and 2D codes for recognition of the cable number.

Description

[0001] Description of the invention

[0002] Title of the invention: CABLE INSERTION ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR CONNECTORS

[0003] In an industrial setting, the insertion of cables into connectors is a crucial process for ensuring the reliability of electrical connections and equipment performance. Improperly inserted connections can lead to malfunctions, costly downtime, and even serious incidents. Therefore, optimizing this process is essential to guaranteeing the quality and safety of electrical systems, highlighting the importance of this solution.

[0004] Technical field:

[0005] This invention relates to the technical aspects of inserting electrical cables into connector cavities. More specifically, it assists the user in inserting cables into connectors, allowing control over the insertion position within the various connector cavities.

[0006] This system can be applied to any field with a process of plugging / inserting cables into electrical connectors: aeronautical, automotive, aerospace and defense cabling, telecommunications and any other industry including this plugging process.

[0007] Previous technique:

[0008] The plugging process involves inserting cables into the terminals or cavities of the connectors, thereby establishing the electrical connection.

[0009] This insertion operation requires precision to ensure reliable electrical connections. The operator must insert the cable into the correct designated cavity in the connector to avoid reversals that can be caused by incorrect cavity selection. These errors can be prevented by integrating an insertion assistance system.

[0010] To detect these reversals, a check can be performed either visually by inspecting each connection to ensure it is correctly made, or via an electrical test using a continuity tester or a multimeter to verify the continuity of the connections. These tests are carried out after the insertion operation and therefore do not prevent errors. Description of the invention:

[0011] The cable insertion assistance system for the connectors is a system in the form of a display panel (2) integrated into a connector holder (1). The user can use the optical color reading sensors (3) and 1D and 2D code reading sensors (5) or manually enter the data relating to the cable to be inserted via a keyboard.

[0012] When using optical sensors (3) and (5), the user inserts the cable under the color-reading optical sensor (3) to identify the cable color. They then insert the 1D or 2D code under the 1D and 2D code-reading optical sensor (5) to identify the cable number.

[0013] The user must also insert the object connector of the insertion operation onto the connector support (1).

[0014] Once the cable is recognized and the connector is in place, a dot lights up in the display panel (2) to visually mark the cavity to be inserted.

[0015] The system also allows the user to be notified if the cable approaches the wrong connector cavity in order to avoid an insertion error.

[0016] The present invention offers several key advantages, including:

[0017] 1- Reduction of insertion errors and reversals: The proposed system is designed to significantly minimize insertion errors and reversals through the integration of precise component identification (connectors, cable recognition, cavity identification) and targeted lighting. This reduces the probability of selecting the wrong cavity. Furthermore, the system can confirm correct insertion or detect errors in cavity selection.

[0018] 2- Reduced costs of poor quality by eliminating rework: By reducing plugging errors, the system eliminates rework, which is often costly in terms of time and resources. This can also positively impact customer satisfaction by reducing and even eliminating returns and customer complaints. 3- Time savings in cable insertion operations: The system offers substantial time savings during the insertion operation. Thanks to the directed lighting and clear instructions provided by the system, users can perform the insertion faster and with fewer errors. This time saving translates into increased productivity, which is particularly beneficial in high-demand environments. Summary description of the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the bright spot on a dark screen of the display panel (2)

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the cable insertion assistance system for the connectors.

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the solution

[0022] Figure 4 is a 2D plan representing the system for assisting the insertion of cables into the connectors with a schematic isometric view including the display panel (2), the connector support (1) and the assembly of color optical reading sensor (3), 1D and 2D code reading optical sensor (5) and reflector (4)

[0023] Figure 5 is a schematic isometric view of the connector support (1)

[0024] System structure:

[0025] This cable insertion assistance system for connectors includes the following components:

[0026] Connector support (1) with RFID tag (6), NFC type or other, in the form of a solid base that holds the connectors in place, ensuring good stability. The connector support (1) is adjustable to accommodate any type and size of connector.

[0027] The RFID tags (6) allow the identification of the cavities to be lit and the triggering of their lighting on the display panel via the information received from the two optical color reading sensors (3) and 1D and 2D code reading sensors (5) or written manually via a keyboard.

[0028] The system also allows for synchronization via a protocol other than NFC (e.g., Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth...).

[0029] This link between the information that resides in the EEPROMs of the RFID tags (6), the colors and the 1D or 2D codes of the cables is configured upstream via a synchronization of the coordinates (x,y) of the luminous color point on the black image for each suitable cavity.

[0030] The connector support (1) has a position locking system preventing movement of the connector in order to eliminate the risk of error during insertion.

[0031] Display panel (2) with visual indicator. The display panel (2) illuminates a point perpendicular to the cavity to be inserted. The rest of the screen is black or dark. This allows the cavity for insertion to be visually identified. The light from the illuminated point passes through the cavity, enabling the user to identify it. The illuminated point is centered on a single cavity. The other cavities are therefore not illuminated. The rest of the display panel (2) also allows for the indication of the steps to be followed or the display of data relating to the insertion in progress.

[0032] The increased sensitivity of the capacitive display panel (2) allows for confirmation of correct contact position through capacitive contact between the finger and the pin, and enhanced touch sensitivity to compensate for the gap between the display panel (2) and the pin. When the user inserts a cable into the cavity, the capacitive display panel (2) detects the insertion position. If the insertion is incorrect, visual or audible feedback is immediately provided to alert the user before the cable is fully inserted. By increasing touch sensitivity, this mechanism detects incorrect or incomplete insertions, thus providing added security during the plugging process. This also reduces the need for manual checks, making the system more efficient and ergonomic.This option can also be triggered via an inductive panel using a set of inductive sensors placed on the panel. These sensors are positioned at (x,y) with a resolution compatible with the minimum pitch of the standard for the insertion object connectors. This panel is perpendicular to the display panel (2).

[0033] Optical color reading sensor (3) enabling identification and differentiation of cable colors in order to recognize the wire / cable.

[0034] To allow for easy reading of the cable color, three linear dots of different colors are placed under the optical color reading sensor (3) to confirm the cable's presence. The three dots must disappear to confirm the cable's presence: the sensor detects the same color (of the cable) at all three points. This confirms the cable's presence and eliminates any confusion between the cable color and the color of the contactor or any other object connected to the end of the cable to be inserted.

[0035] The user can also choose to display the indicator lights in the color corresponding to the cable color (e.g., a yellow indicator light for a yellow cable to be inserted into this cavity). This will eliminate the need for the optical color sensor (3) to scan the cable to identify the color of the cable being inserted.

[0036] Optical sensor for reading 1D and 2D codes (5) allows reading and decoding linear barcodes (1D) as well as matrix codes or QR codes (2D)

[0037] Reflector (4) ensuring optimal color reflection for accurate and reliable color reading over a wider area, allowing the cable to be laid on any line of the designated surface. The reflector also reduces light interference from other sources.

Claims

Demands: Claim 1: Cable insertion assistance system in connectors characterized in that the assistance system comprises: A connector support (1), a display panel (2); an optical color reading sensor (3); a reflector (4), an optical 1D and 2D code reading sensor (5) and an RFID tag (6). Claim 2: A cable insertion assistance system for connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector support component (1) is adaptive and contains connector type information and annotations of the insertion cavities on an EEPROM RFID (6), NFC, or other type of tag. The adaptive connector support (1) incorporates a dynamic information system for identifying the type of connector used. This is achieved through the use of an EEPROM RFID (6), NFC, or other type of tag, which stores relevant data such as the connector model and insertion instructions. Claim 3: A cable insertion assistance system for the connectors according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the connector support (1) is designed to be pluggable onto the display panel (2), allowing modularity of the devices with any type of connector. Furthermore, the integration of this mechanism allows everything to be combined into a single system. Claim 4: Cable insertion assistance system in connectors according to claim 1, characterized in the use of fixed and mobile HMI terminals as well as smartphones as display panels (2) by exploiting the connectivity of these mobile devices. Claim 5: Cable insertion assistance system in connectors according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the display panel (2) introduces an insertion confirmation system based on increasing the touch sensitivity of the capacitive display panel (2) for detecting the insertion position. Claim 6: Cable insertion assistance system in connectors according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the display panel (2) introduces an inductive imaging system based on a set of inductive sensors placed on a panel perpendicular to the display panel (2). Claim 7: Cable insertion assistance system in connectors according to claims 2, 3 and 4, characterized in that the display panel (2) allows the lighting of a lighted point on a dark image to identify and highlight the cavity object of insertion. Claim 8: Cable insertion assistance system in connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical color reading sensor (3) allows reliable reading of the cable color via points under said sensor. Claim 9: Cable insertion assistance system according to claim 7, characterized in that the display panel (2) allows the lighting of light points with the same colors as the cables to be inserted.

Images