Connector Housing Holder Automated Unloading Pneumatic Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing cable processing machines require manual and time-consuming processes for unloading connector housings from receptacles, leading to high costs and inefficiencies, especially when handling cable harnesses with multiple connector housings.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an automated unloading system for connector housing receptacles, which includes a device for releasing holding means and dispensing mechanisms using compressed air or pneumatic clamping, allowing for simultaneous release and removal of connector housings, reducing manual intervention and increasing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual unloading of connector housings is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunloading speedVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical unloading process with an automated pneumatic system. Compressed air is directed through channels in the support structure to exert force on the connector housings, automatically ejecting them from the receptacles without manual intervention. This substitution of manual mechanical action with a pneumatic automation system resolves the contradiction by dramatically increasing unloading speed while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs compressed air as the working medium to achieve automatic unloading. Air channels are integrated into the support structure, allowing compressed air to be directed at the connector housings to eject them from the receptacles. This pneumatic mechanism enables rapid, automated unloading of multiple connector housings simultaneously, resolving the productivity-time contradiction without requiring complex mechanical actuators or motors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Loss of time

If automated release of holding means is implemented, then unloading time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunloading timeVSAvoidrelease mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses integrated air channels within the support structure to deliver compressed air directly to the connector housings. This pneumatic approach provides automated release of the holding means without requiring complex mechanical release mechanisms, motors, or control systems. The air channels are formed as part of the support structure itself, minimizing additional components while achieving rapid automated unloading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector housings are designed to be ejected by the pneumatic force acting directly on them. The housing geometry and the air channel configuration work together so that the compressed air naturally directs force against the connector housings to eject them from the receptacles. This self-ejecting mechanism reduces the need for complex external release mechanisms while minimizing unloading time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If multiple connector housings are unloaded simultaneously, then productivity increases, but control difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebatch unloading capacityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed with multiple air channels that can simultaneously direct compressed air to multiple connector housings. This universal pneumatic system allows any number of connector housings to be ejected simultaneously by simply supplying compressed air to the common air source. The same basic air channel structure serves multiple receptacles, enabling batch unloading without requiring individual control mechanisms for each housing, thus maintaining simple control while increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple air channels into a single integrated support structure with a common compressed air supply. Instead of having separate ejection mechanisms for each connector housing, the air channels are merged into a unified pneumatic system that can simultaneously eject multiple housings. This merging approach increases batch unloading capacity while keeping the control system simple, as only the common air supply needs to be controlled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Automated unloading significantly reduces the time and effort required for unloading connector housings, enabling faster processing and reducing operational costs by allowing for simultaneous removal of multiple connector housings, while ensuring secure handling and tensile testing of connections.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatic ejection device (230) for directly pressurizing the connector housing (300) held or receivable in the at least one connector housing receptacle (200)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

at least one spring-loaded latching ball

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a switchable suction device for holding a connector housing in the connector housing receptacle by means of negative pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Suction

Implementation Method 4

a switchable magnetic holding means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3249763B1Cable processing machine for fitting manufactured cable ends having connector housings, with a connector housing holder with a device for automatic unloading
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 KOMAX HOLDING
  • EP3249763B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3249763B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3249763B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a connector housing holder (210) for a cable processing machine for fitting pre-assembled cable ends with connector housings (300), wherein the connector housing holder (210) has at least one connector housing receptacle (200) and retaining means for the at least one connector housing receptacle (200) for releasably holding a connector housing received in the connector housing receptacle. According to the invention, the connector housing holder (210) comprises a device for automatically unloading the at least one connector housing receptacle (200), which includes means for automatically releasing the retaining means.