Gripper Cable Organizer for Vehicle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle assembly processes, the unorganized cables extending from components often pose a challenge, as they need to be manually tied to pass through holes in other components, making the assembly process cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A gripper apparatus equipped with a cable organizer, which includes a cable clamp and linear actuators, automatically organizes cables by clamping, unclamping, and moving the cable clamp to straighten and tension the cable, allowing it to easily pass through holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tying of cable with band is performed, then cable can pass through hole, but assembly process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cable organizer performs preliminary action by automatically organizing and straightening the cable before the component is installed, eliminating the need for manual tying operations during assembly. The cable is pre-positioned in an organized state, ready for immediate passage through the hole without additional manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable organizer enables self-service by automatically managing the cable organization task that previously required manual intervention. The device independently performs the cable straightening and positioning functions, freeing the operator from the tedious manual tying process and reducing assembly time.
2Ease of operation
If operator manually ties cable with band, then cable organization is achieved, but assembly process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable organizing function is extracted from the manual assembly process and implemented as a separate automated device. The cable organizer is mounted on the robotic system and independently handles cable management, separating this complex task from the main assembly operations and simplifying the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable organizer acts as an intermediary device between the robotic gripper and the component being assembled. It mediates the cable management task by providing automated straightening and positioning capabilities, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle and tie cables with bands.
3Productivity
If automated cable organization is implemented, then assembly time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable organizer is merged with the robotic gripper apparatus by mounting it on the gripper body. This integration allows the cable organization function to be combined with the existing robotic assembly system, achieving automated cable management without requiring a completely separate system, thus balancing productivity improvement with controlled device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic gripper apparatus is enhanced with multi-functionality by incorporating the cable organizer. The same robotic system performs both component gripping/assembly and cable organization tasks, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment and improving productivity while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper apparatus for vehicle assembly includes: a main body; a gripper mounted on the main body, and configured to grip a component to be loaded; and a cable organizer connected to the main body, and configured to organize a cable extending from the component to be loaded. The cable organizer may include: a cable clamp for clamping or unclamping the cable; and a first linear actuator mounted on the main body, and configured to move the cable clamp upward and downward.