Robot-Guided Flat Cable Coupling for NON-ZIF Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling flexible flat cables to connectors, particularly NON-ZIF connectors, face difficulties in efficient and reliable coupling due to the need for precise positioning and alignment, which increases the cycle time and makes the process more complex compared to ZIF connectors.
Innovation Solution
A coupling method and robot system that involves preparing the connector with an insertion hole and a seat having a continuous introduction surface, gripping the flat cable, moving it to a position facing the seat, and pressing it against the introduction surface in an inclined posture to guide the cable into the connector, allowing for easy and efficient coupling, even with NON-ZIF connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a NON-ZIF connector is used for coupling the flat cable, then the connector structure is simpler and more cost-effective, but the coupling process becomes more difficult and less reliable due to the need for precise positioning and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide structure as an intermediary element between the flat cable and the NON-ZIF connector. This guide structure includes a guide groove and guide protrusion that automatically align the cable with the connector during insertion, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning while maintaining the simplicity of the NON-ZIF connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-equipped with positioning features such as guide grooves, ribs, and protrusions that are formed during the connector manufacturing process. These preliminary structural preparations enable automatic alignment and insertion without requiring complex coupling operations, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If precise positioning and alignment are required for coupling the flat cable to the NON-ZIF connector, then the coupling reliability may improve, but the cycle time increases and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure acts as a mediator that provides automatic alignment during the coupling process. The guide groove and guide protrusion work together to ensure precise positioning of the flat cable relative to the connector without requiring additional positioning steps, thereby maintaining coupling reliability while minimizing cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the connector structure itself: the guide groove, positioning ribs, and insertion hole are integrated into a single connector component. This merging of alignment and insertion functions into one structure eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms, reducing process complexity and cycle time while ensuring reliable coupling.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling method of coupling a flexible flat cable to a connector by a robot, includes a preparation step of preparing the connector having an insertion hole into which the flat cable is inserted and a seat having an introduction surface placed at a front side of the insertion hole and continuously coupled to the insertion hole, a first moving step of gripping the flat cable and moving the flat cable to a position facing the seat; and a pressing step of bringing the flat cable into contact with the introduction surface in a posture inclined relative to the seat with an end of the flat cable facing the insertion hole side and pressing the flat cable against the introduction surface, and moving the end toward the connector side.