Modular Assembly Device for Electrical Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector assembly processes for electrical cables, particularly in the automotive and electromobility sectors, face challenges in achieving robust, safe connections that withstand high currents and voltages while being economically producible in high volumes, with a need for comprehensive documentation and automation.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising independent processing modules and a transport system for automated assembly of electrical connectors on cable ends, utilizing control units, grippers, and synchronized modules to facilitate efficient, high-volume production with quality assurance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fully automated connector assembly is implemented, then productivity and volume production capability are improved, but device complexity and documentation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume production capabilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple independent processing modules (first processing module, second processing module, etc.), each capable of performing specific assembly operations. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex assembly tasks through coordinated simple modules, improving productivity while managing device complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The processing modules are designed with universal functionality to handle different cable types and connector configurations. The modules can perform multiple operations (stripping, assembling, testing) and accommodate various cable diameters and connector types, enabling high-volume production of diverse products without requiring completely different assembly lines.

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

2Reliability

If comprehensive documentation of cable processing is implemented, then quality assurance and transparency are improved, but device complexity and process overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality assuranceVSAvoiddocumentation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates documentation systems that automatically record processing parameters, quality metrics, and assembly data from each processing module. This feedback mechanism ensures comprehensive quality assurance through automated data collection and tracking, reducing the need for manual documentation while maintaining high reliability standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent processing modules are used, then manufacturing flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for different cable typesVSAvoidnumber of processing modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing modules are designed with adjustable and reconfigurable capabilities, allowing them to adapt to different cable types, diameters, and connector configurations. This dynamic adaptability enables a single modular device to handle multiple product variants, improving versatility while managing complexity through standardized interfaces and programmable controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3949035B1Device and method for assembling an electrical plug connector
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 METZNER MASCHINENBAU GMBH
  • EP3949035B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3949035B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3949035B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (131) for assembling an electrical plug connector (12) on a first cable end (3) and/or on a second cable end (4) of an electrical cable (1a, 1b) having one or more inner conductors (2). The device (131) has at least two independent processing modules (18, 19, 29, 35, 50, 59, 69, 93, 103, 109, 117, 134, 135, 137, 38, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143) for processing the cable (1a, 1b). The device (131) also has a common transport unit (71) for transporting the cable (1a, 1b) between at least two of the processing modules (18, 19, 29, 35, 50, 59, 69, 93, 103, 109, 117, 134, 135, 137, 38, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143) along a transport direction (T).