Spring-Loaded Wire Holding Device for Automated Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling wire bundles in aircraft require customized form boards and struggle with precise wire positioning, leading to inefficiencies in the automated transfer of wire ends between end effectors, particularly due to the lack of effective wire holding devices that can overcome spring forces and ensure secure grip during transfer.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wire holding devices with spring-loaded structures, such as U-shaped clips or gripper arms, that can be actuated to open and close, allowing for secure grip and release of wire ends, facilitating efficient transfer between wire-routing and contact-insertion end effectors by applying contact forces to overcome spring forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wire holding device with spring-loaded structure is used to secure wire ends during transfer, then the reliability of wire transfer is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire holding device is segmented into multiple independent gripping elements (first gripping element and second gripping element) that can operate independently. Each gripping element has its own spring-loaded mechanism, allowing the device to handle wires of different diameters and configurations while maintaining reliable grip during transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, with spring-loaded mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of grip force. The elements can move between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling automatic adaptation to different wire sizes and facilitating easy wire insertion and release without complex actuation systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gripping elements are used to accommodate different wire configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each gripping element is designed with universal functionality to handle various wire types and configurations. The spring-loaded mechanism provides adjustable grip force that adapts to different wire diameters, and the movable nature of the elements allows them to accommodate wires with different stiffness and flexibility characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple specialized gripping devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device utilizes parameter changes in the spring force to adapt to different wire configurations. By varying the engagement depth and spring compression, the same gripping element can securely hold wires of different diameters and rigidity, providing versatility without increasing the number of physical components.
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 solution enhances the automation process by improving the success rate of wire transfer operations, ensuring precise positioning and secure handling of wire ends, thereby increasing the efficiency and accuracy of wire harness assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping pads are spring loaded to urge the wire holding device closed
Implementation Method 2
the moving end effector produces the contact forces necessary to overcome the closure-inducing spring forces being exerted
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for temporarily holding one end of a wire on a harness form board during automated transfer from one robot to another robot. The apparatus includes a wire holding device which is designed to facilitate the transfer of a wire end from a first end effector of a first robot to a second end effector of a second robot. The wire holding devices have different structures, but share the common feature that opening of the wire holding device (to enable wire insertion) involves applying a contact force which overcomes a spring force that urges the wire holding device to be closed. The end effectors are designed and their movements are controlled in a manner such that the moving end effector applies the contact force necessary to overcome the closure-inducing spring force being exerted.