Connector Housing Loading Device Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cable processing machines require significant time and cost for manual loading and unloading of connector housing receptacles, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, especially when processing cable harnesses with multiple connector housings.
Innovation Solution
An automated loading device is introduced, featuring a storage device, a feed device with a linear conveyor and vibratory mechanism, and a pick-and-place robot to sort and position connector housings accurately into receptacles, along with a displacement system for pallet movement and automated unloading, reducing manual intervention and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading and unloading of connector housing receptacles is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automation system is divided into distinct functional modules: a storage device for connector housings, a feed device with linear conveyor for transport, a vibratory mechanism for positioning, and a pick-and-place robot for loading. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability and productivity.
2Productivity
If automated loading device with storage device and feed device is introduced, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device预先 stores multiple connector housings in ready-to-use positions, and the feed device with linear conveyor pre-positiones them using the vibratory mechanism before the pick-and-place robot needs them. This preliminary action ensures continuous supply without interruption, maintaining high productivity while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning of connector housings is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratory mechanism uses controlled mechanical vibrations to precisely position connector housings on the linear conveyor and in the storage device. This vibration-based positioning system achieves high manufacturing precision for connector housing placement without requiring complex robotic positioning systems, as the vibration naturally settles components into correct positions.
4Loss of time
If manual loading and unloading process is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system enables continuous operation through the integration of storage device, feed device with linear conveyor, and pick-and-place robot working in continuous sequence. While the physical loading/unloading actions are automated, the system is operated through a simple control interface that allows operators to initiate and monitor the continuous process with minimal intervention, reducing time loss while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
The automated system significantly reduces the time and cost associated with loading and unloading connector housing receptacles, ensuring continuous supply and accurate positioning of connector housings, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the cable processing machine.
Implementation Method 1
a vibratory mechanism is provided between the storage device and the equipping device, which is designed to vibrate the guide rail in a defined direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a loading device (100) for loading connector housing receptacles (200) with corresponding connector housings (300) of at least one type, in particular for use in a cable processing machine (1) for fitting pre-assembled cable ends (400) with connector housings held in connector housing receptacles (200). According to the invention, the loading device (100) is characterized by at least one storage device (110) for storing and providing the connector housings (300) and at least one assembly device (120) configured to insert one or more connector housings (300) from the at least one storage device (110) into one or more corresponding connector housing receptacles (200). The invention further relates to a cable processing machine (1) with such a loading device (100) and a device for unloading the connector housing receptacles after fitting them with pre-assembled cable ends.