Automated Cable Assembly Device with Vacuum Fastening

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of industrial-grade cabling in devices such as automated and aerospace vehicles necessitates improved cable assembly systems that minimize human error and enable efficient, automated processes.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for cable assembly that utilizes a computation device to prepare a support surface with vacuum-fastened guide elements, a cable feeder, and a storage module, allowing for autonomous positioning and assembly of cables based on CAD-generated diagrams, reducing operator intervention and integrating with plant management systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated cable assembly system is implemented, then productivity and manufacturing precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable assembly speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated cable assembly system is divided into distinct functional modules: a support surface for positioning, a storage module for fastening elements, a cable feeder for cable supply, and a positioning assembly with catching means. Each module operates independently but coordinates through the computation device, enabling high-speed automated assembly while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a computation device that automatically processes cabling diagrams and controls the positioning assembly without human intervention. The vacuum elements automatically secure fastening elements to the support surface, and the positioning assembly autonomously moves components to correct positions based on digital instructions, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If operator intervention is minimized, then reliability is improved by reducing human error, but ease of operation deteriorates due to automation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly accuracyVSAvoidsystem control difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated positioning assembly controlled by a computation device. The computation device receives cabling diagrams and automatically generates positioning instructions, replacing human decision-making and manual positioning operations. This substitution eliminates human error in assembly accuracy while the standardized interface and automated control maintain ease of operation

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses digital copies of cabling diagrams from CAD systems as the basis for automated assembly. The computation device processes these digital representations to control the physical positioning assembly, ensuring that the assembled cable layout precisely matches the design specifications without manual measurement or interpretation errors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If vacuum elements are used for fastening, then ease of manufacture is improved by enabling reusability of fastening elements, but loss of substance increases due to potential vacuum leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening element reusabilityVSAvoidvacuum pressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs vacuum elements that create a pressure differential to secure fastening elements to the support surface. The vacuum-powered positioning assembly can quickly attach and detach fastening elements without permanent fastening, enabling reuse across multiple assembly operations. The pneumatic system provides controlled force application while maintaining the ability to release and reposition elements efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution achieves time and cost savings by automating the cable assembly process, enhances versatility and reusability of fastening elements, and ensures independent power supply, while maintaining accessibility and safety in the work area.

Implementation Method 1

comprising a vacuum element for joining it to said support surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum pressure: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS10679777B2System configured to assemble one or more cables in a layout
Publication Date: 2020.06.09 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAU
  • US10679777B2 patent drawing
  • US10679777B2 patent drawing
  • US10679777B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cable (1) assembly device for producing cabling including: a support surface (2) on which the cable assembly is carried out (1), cable (1) fastening and guide elements (3), said fastening and guide elements (3) comprising a vacuum element for joining it to said support surface (2), a feeder (4) of the cable to be assembled, a computation means that includes a cabling diagram in its memory and the location of the fastening and guide elements (3) on the support surface (2), a storage module (5) for cable (1) fastening and guide elements (3), positioning means (6) of the fastening and guide elements (3) on the support surface (2).