Augmented Reality Assembly Aid for Electrical Switchgear

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of electrical switchgear systems is complex and prone to errors due to the variety of components and cables, making it difficult to ensure correct connections and monitor the assembly process, especially since existing methods rely on manual wiring and lack reliable automated monitoring.

Innovation Solution

An augmented reality system that automatically identifies components and their intended connections, overlaying connection points on a display image of the switchgear, allowing for real-time monitoring and error detection, enabling correct installation even when components are arranged in a non-predetermined order.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual wiring with circuit diagrams is used, then the assembly process can be carried out, but errors increase and assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical wiring operations with an automated image recognition and verification system. The camera captures images of connection points, the processing unit automatically identifies them, and the system verifies connections without manual intervention, thereby reducing both errors and assembly time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback by displaying recognized connection points and verifying actual connections against the circuit diagram. This immediate feedback mechanism allows workers to correct errors promptly and ensures connection accuracy while maintaining efficient assembly pace

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If manual wiring is performed, then the assembly can be completed, but the error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidconnection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical wiring operations with an automated image recognition and verification system. The camera captures images of connection points, the processing unit automatically identifies them, and the system verifies connections without manual intervention, thereby reducing both errors and assembly time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-verification by automatically capturing images, identifying connection points, and checking whether actual connections match the circuit diagram. This self-service capability ensures connection accuracy while maintaining high assembly efficiency without requiring additional manual checking steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If automated monitoring is implemented, then connection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual monitoring and verification procedures with a simplified automated system using a camera and image processing unit. This automated monitoring improves connection accuracy while the system remains relatively simple in structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy (image) of the physical connection points and compares it with the circuit diagram. This copying approach enables automated verification without requiring complex sensing or measurement devices, thus improving reliability while keeping device complexity low

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3477804B1Method for mounting and wiring of electrical switchgear as well as a virtual reality device to facilitate the mounting of such switchgear
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 LIEBHERR COMPONENTS BIBERACH GMBH
  • EP3477804B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3477804B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3477804B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for assembling electrical switchgear, in which electrical components are wired and/or connected to one another at predetermined connection points. The invention further relates to an assembly aid for facilitating and/or testing the assembly of such electrical switchgear.According to the invention, a component held ready for connection in the switchgear is identified by an identification device, wherein, by means of a connection point determination device, at least one target connection point to which the identified component is to be connected is determined depending on the component identified by the identification device, and wherein, by means of an augmented reality system, an image of the switchgear is displayed on a display and the connection point determined for the component held ready, to which the identified component is to be connected, is superimposed on the displayed image of the switchgear.