Connector Housing Cable Gripper Alignment for Thin Cable Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipping arrangements for connector housings with cable ends are complex, expensive, and require a large amount of space due to the use of dual actuators, making them inefficient for handling thin cables that require subsequent gripping.
Innovation Solution
An equipping arrangement with a cable gripper and a gripper location system that uses a pneumatic actuator and optical detection device to ensure precise and efficient subsequent gripping of cables into connector housings, eliminating the need for a dual actuator system and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dual actuator system (pneumatic and electromechanical) is used for subsequent gripping, then the cable end can be precisely inserted into the connector housing, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electromechanical actuator from the dual-actuator system, keeping only the pneumatic actuator. The gripper location system provides position information without requiring an electromechanical drive, thereby simplifying the actuator system while maintaining insertion precision through pneumatic control combined with optical feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper location system acts as an intermediary between the pneumatic actuator and the control system. It provides precise position feedback of the gripper jaws during opening motion, enabling the control system to determine the intermediate position accurately without requiring a complex electromechanical actuator.
2Manufacturing precision
If a dual actuator system is used for subsequent gripping, then intermediate position control is achieved, but the space required for the equipping arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the electromechanical actuator, the patent reduces the spatial footprint of the equipping arrangement. The pneumatic actuator combined with the compact gripper location system occupies less space while still achieving the necessary intermediate position control for subsequent gripping of thin cables.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dual actuator system is used for subsequent gripping, then thin cables can be handled, but the cost of the equipping arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the expensive electromechanical actuator, reducing manufacturing costs. The pneumatic actuator with gripper location system provides a cost-effective solution that maintains the ability to handle thin cables through precise intermediate position control achieved via optical feedback rather than complex mechanical drives.
4Device complexity
If a pneumatic actuator is used alone, then the device structure is simplified, but the intermediate position control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper location system provides real-time position feedback of the gripper jaws during opening motion. This feedback enables the control system to accurately determine when the intermediate position is reached, compensating for the lack of inherent precision in pneumatic actuation and achieving the required intermediate position control with a simpler pneumatic actuator.
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
The solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and precise method for handling thin cables by ensuring accurate alignment and gripping, reducing the need for additional sensors and control technology, and allowing for efficient calibration of the gripper jaws for optimal insertion.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detection device for determining the rotational position of the fitted-out cable end
Implementation Method 2
an actuator which can be operated with pressure means for actuating the cable gripper
Data Source
AI summary
An equipping arrangement for equipping connector housings with fitted-out cable ends of cables has an equipping gripping unit that provides subsequent gripping, when necessary, during inserting the fitted-out cable end into the connector housing. A cable gripper has two gripper jaws grasping and gripping the cable when actuated by an actuator operated with fluid pressure. An alignment module rotationally corrects alignment of the fitted-out cable end using an optical detection device determining the rotational position of the fitted-out cable end. The detection device monitors an opening motion of the gripper jaws to create an intermediate position. A control unit controls the actuator and calibrates the actuator with regard to the subsequent gripping based on data of the opening motion of the gripper jaws determined by the detection device.