Robot Assembling System for Connector Assembly with Guiding Mechanisms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual assembly methods for connector assemblies, particularly involving light guide pipes and cages, are inefficient and prone to damage due to collisions during the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A robot assembling system with multiple workstations and a rotatable operating mechanism that automates the assembly of connector assemblies by clamping and loading components, including light guide pipes and cages, to form contact sub-assemblies and final connector assemblies, while using guiding mechanisms to prevent collisions and ensure precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual assembly methods are used for connector assemblies, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but assembly efficiency is very low and components are prone to damage due to collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly operations with an automated robot system that uses precision positioning mechanisms and controlled motion to assemble light guide pipes into cages. The robot system eliminates human-operated collisions through programmed precise movements and controlled insertion forces, thereby improving both assembly efficiency and component protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a guiding mechanism as an intermediary between the robot and the cage components. This guiding mechanism includes positioning guides and alignment features that ensure the light guide pipe is correctly oriented and positioned during insertion, preventing collisions with the cage structure while maintaining assembly precision.
2Productivity
If automated robot assembly is implemented, then assembly efficiency and precision are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the robot system with multi-functional capabilities, where a single robotic unit performs multiple operations including picking, positioning, guiding, and inserting components. The system uses programmable control that can adapt to different assembly sequences and configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the assembly system into modular functional units: a robot end effector for component handling, a guiding mechanism for positioning, and a cage fixture for support. This segmentation allows each module to be independently optimized and maintained, managing overall system complexity through modular architecture while achieving high assembly efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to a robot assembling system and method for a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises: a cage comprising an outer cage, a middle vertical partition plate, and at least two horizontal partition plates connected to each side of the middle vertical partition plate, the middle vertical partition plate and the horizontal partition plates divide an inner space of the cage into a plurality of chambers; a contact mounted in a respective chamber of the cage; and a light guide pipe mounted on the contact and extending into a space defined between the horizontal partition plates. The robot assembling system comprises: a first assembling workstation configured to assemble the contact and the light guide pipe to form a contact subassembly; a second assembling workstation configured to assemble the contact subassembly and the cage to form a connector assembly; and a robot configured to transmit the cage, the light guide pipe, the contact or the contact subassembly between respective assembling workstations, and assist an assembly process at each assembling workstation. In the present invention, the robot assembling system may automatically assemble the connector assembly, and it greatly improves the assembling efficiency.