Cable Retaining Clip With Latching Cover for Automated Harness Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated manufacturing of wiring harness retaining components using cable ties or wrapping tape is laborious, expensive, and complex, making automation difficult in vehicle construction.
Innovation Solution
A retaining component with two parallel, rigid webs forming a U-shaped receiving area and latching elements allows for automated attachment via a cover element, enabling friction-locking or positive-locking engagement, facilitating automated assembly using a robot-like gripping arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cable ties or wrapping tape are used for bundling cables, then the retaining component can be manually assembled, but the automated manufacture becomes laborious, expensive, and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining component is divided into two separate parts: a base element with U-shaped receiving area and a cover element. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently and automatically, then assembled through automated fastening processes. The base element contains the cable bundle while the cover element provides automated attachment capability through latching elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual tying action of cable ties is replaced by an automated mechanical fastening system. The cover element features latching elements that can be automatically engaged with the base element through a linear motion mechanism, enabling robotic assembly without manual intervention. This substitution transforms the manual process into an automated mechanical system suitable for high-speed production.
2Device complexity
If traditional cable ties are used, then the structure is simple, but automation requires complex processes and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is designed with self-aligning features where the latching elements automatically engage with corresponding features on the base element during the linear motion attachment process. This self-service mechanism reduces the complexity of automated equipment needed, as the component itself guides the assembly process rather than requiring complex positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching elements are pre-positioned on both the cover element and base element during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when the cover element is attached to the base element through linear motion, the latching elements are already aligned and ready for engagement, simplifying the automated attachment process and reducing equipment complexity.
3Ease of operation
If cable ties are used for fixing wiring harnesses, then manual operation is straightforward, but automated attachment becomes expensive and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The manual twisting and tightening action of cable ties is replaced by a linear motion fastening system. The cover element attaches to the base element through simple linear movement, which can be easily executed by robotic grippers or linear actuators. This mechanical substitution maintains operational simplicity while enabling high-speed automated production.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining component transitions from a static cable tie to a dynamic assembly system where the cover element can be rapidly attached and detached. The latching elements are designed to engage and disengage quickly through linear motion, enabling high productivity in automated production lines while maintaining ease of operation for manual assembly when needed.
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
Enables efficient, automated attachment of retaining components to cable bundles and wiring harnesses on vehicle chassis, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
which can be brought into friction-locking and/or positive-locking engagement with a cover element
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining component for securing at least one cable, includes a main body with a base and a foot element formed on the base. Two webs extend from the base. Both webs extend essentially parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction and form a receiving area for receiving at least one cable. At least one of the webs includes a latching element disposed on an outer side configured to be brought into friction-locking and/or positive-locking engagement with a cover element. The cover element features two holes configured to be brought into engagement with the latching element of a web of the retaining component in a closed position. The cover element is connected to the retaining component to produce a friction-locking and/or positive-locking connection between the webs and the cover element.