Robotic Cable Labeling with Suction Nozzle Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual labeling of cables, wires, and harnesses in the automotive sector is time-consuming, prone to human errors, and can cause injuries, while off-site labeling reduces flexibility and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a robot to move and adhere identification elements, such as self-adhesive labels, to cables, wires, or harnesses, which includes a suction nozzle for picking up and folding the labels around the cables, enabling automated and precise labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual labeling is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but time consumption increases and human errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical labeling operations with an automated robotic system that uses suction nozzles to pick up labels and apply them to cables. This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining process flexibility, directly resolving the contradiction between labeling accuracy and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed to autonomously perform the complete labeling process including picking up labels, positioning them on cables, and applying them without human intervention. The system serves itself by automatically completing all labeling tasks, thereby eliminating time loss associated with manual operations while ensuring consistent accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If manual labeling is performed, then operator control is maintained, but repetitive motions cause injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human operator's mechanical labeling actions with a robotic system equipped with suction nozzles and automated positioning. This substitution eliminates repetitive motion injuries while preserving operational control through programmable robot commands, directly addressing the contradiction between ease of operation and harmful factors.
3Ease of manufacture
If off-site labeling is performed, then costs are reduced, but flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic labeling system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can label different types of cables, adjust labeling positions, and adapt to various label types using the same suction nozzle mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate flexibly on-site while maintaining cost-effectiveness through automation, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and adaptability.
4Productivity
If automated robotic labeling is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core essential function of label application from the complex robotic system, using a simple suction nozzle mechanism that mimics human finger picking. By separating the essential picking function from auxiliary complexities, the system achieves high productivity while minimizing device complexity, directly resolving the contradiction between throughput and system complexity.
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
This approach reduces human errors, optimizes labeling processes, and decreases cycle times, making the process more cost-effective while minimizing operator involvement and repetitive motion injuries, allowing for standardized and reproducible labeling.
Implementation Method 1
picking up the provided identification element, using the robot, preferably by using a suction nozzle comprised by the robot to substantially hold the identification element
Data Source
Figure 1~1D
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present disclose relates to a method (100) for adhering an identification element (2) to a cable, a wire or a harness (1), the method comprising: providing (110) an identification element (2) to be adhered; moving (120) the identification element (2) by means of a robot to a cable, a wire, or a harness (1); adhering (130), using the robot, the moved identification element (2) to the cable, the wire or the harness (1).