Automated Low-Voltage Path Routing Using Segmented Rigid Conductors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing low-voltage paths in cell contacting systems, such as cable harnesses and flexible conductors, are complex and difficult to handle due to their flexible nature, lacking automation and flexibility in installation and handling processes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a guide head with a dispensing opening that mechanically guides an electrical conductor along a predetermined path on a base body, using a movement device like a robot arm, allowing for automated and flexible routing of low-voltage paths without the need for cable jacket insulation, enabling programmable control and tension maintenance to prevent sagging or tangling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cable harnesses and flexible conductors are used for low-voltage paths, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but handling complexity and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidhandling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The low-voltage path is segmented into multiple rigid conductor sections that can be individually positioned and fixed to the base body. Each section is a straight, rigid element that is easier to handle than continuous flexible cable, while the overall path remains adaptable through the arrangement of segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from using flexible cables in three-dimensional space to rigid conductors that are fixed in specific positions and orientations on the base body. This dimensional constraint simplifies handling while maintaining routing flexibility through design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cable harnesses are used for low-voltage paths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable harness is segmented into individual rigid conductor sections that are separately positioned and fixed to the base body. This eliminates the complexity of handling and routing flexible cable bundles while maintaining the ability to adapt to different configurations through design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using flexible cable that must be routed and secured, the invention inverts the approach by using rigid conductors that are fixed in place, eliminating the need for complex cable management systems, clamps, and securing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If mechanical shaping tools are used for wire routing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting precisionVSAvoidtool complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductor paths are predetermined and pre-planned before manufacturing. The rigid conductor sections are designed with specific lengths and orientations that directly follow the predetermined path, eliminating the need for mechanical shaping tools during the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses simple, inexpensive rigid conductor sections that can be easily cut and positioned without requiring complex, expensive mechanical shaping equipment. The simplicity of the components reduces both device complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3921885B1Creating a low-voltage path of a cell-contacting system
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 DIEHL METAL APPL GMBH
  • EP3921885B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for creating at least one low-voltage path (10a,b) of a cell-contacting system (2), said cell-contacting system (2) having a main part (4). According to the method, a guide head (12) having an dispensing opening (14) for dispensing an electrical conductor (16) is provided, said guide head (12) being guided by automatic means in a predefinable trajectory (20) relative to the main part (4), and the conductor (16) being dispensed from the guide head (12) and being laid on the main part (4) to form the low-voltage path (10a,b).