Automated Cable Holding Tool for Flexible Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in electronic equipment assembly is the inefficient and complex manual process of connecting thin, flexible cables to connectors, particularly due to the difficulty in gripping and positioning the thin ends of cables, which hinders automation and reduces work efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electronic equipment assembly apparatus comprising a cable holding tool with a contactor for vacuum-suctioning and a width direction regulator, along with a robot unit, which holds and positions the cable relative to the connector, enabling precise and automated installation of the cable's end portion onto the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual work is used for cable connection, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but work efficiency is low and automation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
A cable holding tool is introduced as an intermediary device between the robot and the cable. This tool is equipped with a suction portion that can reliably grip the cable, enabling the robot to manipulate the cable effectively. The holding tool acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between automated robot control and the delicate cable handling requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated robot system controlled by position information from imaging devices. The robot unit moves the cable holding tool based on detected positions of connectors and cable ends, substituting human manual operation with automated mechanical control guided by visual feedback
2Extent of automation
If two robots are used for connector connection as in PTL 1, then automation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple robots into a single robot unit. Instead of using two separate robots for cable and connector manipulation, one robot is equipped with a cable holding tool that performs both cable positioning and connector connection tasks, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining automation
Solution Approach 2:
The cable holding tool is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: holding the cable via suction, positioning the cable end, and facilitating connector connection. This universal tool eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for each operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If thin flexible cables are used for connecting functional modules, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but gripping and positioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable holding tool employs a suction portion that uses vacuum pressure to grip the cable. This pneumatic mechanism provides reliable holding force for thin, flexible cables without requiring mechanical clamping that could damage the cable. The suction-based gripping method is particularly effective for delicate cable structures
Solution Approach 2:
The cable holding tool serves as an intermediary device between the robot and the thin cable. It provides a specialized interface with suction capability that is suited for delicate cable manipulation, allowing the robot to handle thin flexible cables effectively without direct mechanical contact
4Manufacturing precision
If fine positioning is required for cable connection, then connection precision is improved, but work complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses imaging devices to detect the positions of connectors and cable ends, providing visual feedback to the control system. The robot unit then moves the cable holding tool based on this position information to achieve precise alignment and connection. This closed-loop feedback control enables accurate positioning without complex mechanical positioning mechanisms
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 allows for the stable and precise automation of cable connection, improving work efficiency by effectively gripping and positioning the thin cables, even those prone to bending, and enabling reliable installation onto connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The contactor holds the cable by vacuum-sucking
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic equipment assembly apparatus includes a cable holding tool, a work stage, and a robot unit. The cable holding tool holds the cable. The work stage holds the electronic equipment. The robot unit relatively moves the cable holding tool with respect to the electronic equipment held by the work stage. The cable holding tool includes a contactor and a width direction regulator. The contactor holds the cable by vacuum-sucking. The width direction regulator regulates a position in a width direction of the cable which comes into contact with the contactor.