Cable Holder and Lock Operator for Connector Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic device assembly methods require complex facility configurations and multiple robots to automate the insertion of cables into connectors, leading to increased operational complexity and potential assembly errors.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device assembling apparatus with a cable holder and lock member operator that simplifies the process by holding and inserting cables into connectors, followed by locking the cables using a lock member, reducing the need for multiple robots and improving assembly quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If two robots with cameras are used to insert cables into connectors and check positions, then automation is achieved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of cable insertionVSAvoidfacility configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cable insertion function and lock member operation into a single integrated apparatus. The cable holder and lock member operator work together in one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate robots and cameras, thus reducing facility complexity while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The assembling apparatus performs multiple functions: holding the cable, inserting it into the connector, and operating the lock member. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If two robots are used for cable insertion, then automation is achieved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of cable insertionVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging cable holding, insertion, and locking operations into a single apparatus with coordinated components, the system reduces operational complexity. The cable holder and lock member operator work together in a simplified sequence rather than requiring coordination between multiple independent robots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If manual cable insertion is performed by workers, then operational simplicity is maintained, but work quality and assembly precision decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidassembly quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs the assembly operation autonomously through its integrated components. The cable holder automatically positions and inserts the cable, then the lock member operator secures it, eliminating manual intervention while ensuring consistent, high-quality assembly results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11038314B2Electronic device assembling apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device assembling apparatus has a cable holder and a lock member operator. The cable holder holds a cable and inserts the cable into a connector. After the cable is inserted into the connector by the cable holder, the lock member operator operates a lock member to lock the cable to the connector. The lock member operator starts an operation with respect to the lock member in a state where the cable inserted into the connector is held by the cable holder.