Tactile Component Position Detection in Vehicle Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reliably detecting the position of components, such as plug contacts and fuses, in vehicle components lack simplicity and accuracy, particularly in automated testing scenarios, and often fail to account for manufacturing tolerances and mobility within the component.
Innovation Solution
A tactile detection method using a test station with a test adapter and a movable test probe equipped with touch elements, which moves along a predetermined path to detect contact with vehicle components, records multiple positions, and compares these positions with predefined target values and tolerance ranges to ensure accurate alignment and identify potential errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a test probe moves along a predetermined path to detect component positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise path control and multiple detection cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into multiple cycles, each consisting of approaching the component, detecting contact, recording position, retracting, and repeating. This segmentation allows complex detection to be broken down into manageable steps, improving precision through repeated measurements while organizing complexity into a systematic protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The test probe follows a predetermined path with predefined approach and withdrawal trajectories. This preliminary planning of the movement path eliminates the need for real-time complex control calculations, improving measurement precision while simplifying the control system by using pre-programmed motion sequences
2Reliability
If multiple detection cycles are performed to account for manufacturing tolerances and mobility, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated approach and withdrawal movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs multiple detection cycles with feedback from each contact event. By recording positions from multiple approaches and comparing them against target values and tolerance ranges, the system achieves reliable detection while the automated feedback loop optimizes the testing process
Solution Approach 2:
The test probe performs periodic approach-detectoretract cycles to detect component positions. This periodic action allows the system to account for manufacturing tolerances and component mobility through repeated sampling, improving reliability while maintaining efficient testing through automated rhythmic operation
3Manufacturing precision
If probe speed is varied to prevent damage and improve detection accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to slower testing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The test probe employs variable speed movement, transitioning between fast approach, slow detection, and fast withdrawal phases. This dynamic speed adjustment allows high productivity during non-critical movements while ensuring manufacturing precision during critical contact phases, optimizing the balance between speed and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the movement speed parameter dynamically based on the operational phase. During approach and withdrawal, higher speeds maintain productivity, while during contact detection, reduced speeds ensure manufacturing precision. This parameter optimization allows both high productivity and high precision to be achieved simultaneously
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a test station (1) for the tactile detection of a position of at least one component (B) of a vehicle part (S), said test station comprising: a test adapter (2) for receiving the vehicle part (S) to be tested, a test probe (3) which can be moved counter to the test adapter (2) along a predefined path (x), said test probe (3) having at least one contact element by means of which it is possible to detect contact with the component (B) to be tested of the vehicle part (S), and a drive for moving the test probe (3) and/or the test adapter (2), wherein the drive is an electromotive drive (7) for at least incrementally moving the test probe (3) and/or the test adapter (2), and the test station (1) is designed to determine a travel position of the test probe (3) and/or of the test adapter (2) upon contact with at least one contact element. The invention also relates to a method for the tactile detection of a position of at least one component (B) of a vehicle part (S). The present invention can particularly advantageously be used for testing plug-in connection elements and fusebanks.