Automated Cable Mounting and Lock Verification Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual work for mounting cables onto connectors with lock mechanisms in electronic equipment, such as on-vehicle systems, is inefficient and prone to errors due to the complexity of fine positioning and the need for precise automation in environments with shock or vibration.
Innovation Solution
An electronic equipment assembly apparatus and method that includes a cable mounting mechanism, a lock operation mechanism, and a locked-state checker, utilizing a robot portion with a cable holding tool and connector lock tool to automate the cable installation process, ensuring proper alignment and locking of cables onto connectors with a lock mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual work is used for mounting cables onto connectors, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but work efficiency and productivity are low
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses vision recognition to automatically detect connector positions and cable states, and the lock mechanism automatically checks and confirms proper engagement, eliminating the need for manual inspection and positioning while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated robot arm that performs cable mounting and locking operations, controlled by a centralized controller that coordinates movement, positioning, and lock engagement based on vision system feedback
2Productivity
If automation is introduced for cable mounting, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cable mounting function, lock operation function, and lock state checking function are merged into a single integrated system where the robot arm performs multiple operations using the same mechanical structure, controlled by a unified controller that manages all operations sequentially
Solution Approach 2:
The robot arm serves multiple functions: holding and positioning the cable, inserting it into the connector, and triggering the lock mechanism. The lock mechanism itself serves dual purposes of securing the cable and providing a detectable state for verification
3Reliability
If fine positioning is required for cable mounting, then connection reliability improves, but the difficulty of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism includes a state detection feature that provides feedback to the controller about whether the cable is properly secured. The vision recognition system also provides feedback on cable position and connector alignment, enabling real-time adjustment and verification of positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the cable and connector, providing a positive engagement feature that ensures proper positioning and connection. The mechanism translates the robot's positioning action into a definitive locked state that guarantees connection reliability
4Productivity
If lock mechanism operation is automated, then work efficiency improves, but the complexity of detecting and measuring lock state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism incorporates visual indicators that change appearance based on the locked state, allowing the vision recognition system to easily detect whether the cable is properly secured by analyzing color or positional changes in the indicator features
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an electronic equipment assembly apparatus including: a cable mounting mechanism which holds a cable and installs the cable onto a connector; a lock operation mechanism which operates a lock mechanism provided in the connector; a locked-state checker which checks a state of the lock mechanism of the connector; and a controller which controls the cable mounting mechanism and the lock operation mechanism.