Terminal Feeding Assembly for Automated Crimping Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual loading of terminals in crimping machines is inefficient, requiring operator intervention and increasing the time needed to crimp multiple terminals, while also posing a risk of operator injury.
Innovation Solution
A terminal feeding assembly with a translation device, guide track, and terminal gripper, controlled by a controller, which automates the process of gripping, separating, and positioning terminals for crimping, reducing the need for manual operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading of terminals is used, then the operator can load each terminal into the crimping machine, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal feeding assembly enables the system to feed terminals automatically without operator intervention. The translation device moves the terminal gripper along the guide track to grasp terminals from the strip and transport them to the crimping area, allowing the machine to serve itself in the terminal loading process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of loading terminals by hand is replaced with an automated mechanical system consisting of the translation device, guide track, and terminal gripper. This automated mechanical system performs the terminal feeding function that previously required manual operator action.
2Ease of operation
If manual loading of terminals is used, then the operator can position each terminal, but the overall crimping time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal gripper automatically grasps terminals from the strip and positions them in the crimping area without operator intervention. The translation device autonomously moves the gripper between the terminal source and the crimping position, making the positioning process self-service.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated terminal feeding assembly enables continuous operation by constantly supplying terminals to the crimping area. The translation device and terminal gripper operate continuously to grasp and position terminals, eliminating the interruptions and delays associated with manual loading between crimping operations.
3Measurement precision
If operator intervention is required for each terminal loading, then precise positioning is achieved, but operator safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The operator is extracted from the terminal loading and positioning process. The terminal feeding assembly, consisting of the translation device and terminal gripper, takes over the function of terminal handling, removing the operator from potential harm zones while maintaining precise terminal placement through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal gripper acts as an intermediary between the terminal strip and the crimping area. Instead of the operator directly handling terminals, the gripper grasps and transports them, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct operator contact with moving parts and potential injury hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal feeding assembly includes a translation device having a guide track, a terminal gripper movable along the guide track, and a translation drive connected to the terminal gripper. The translation drive moves the terminal gripper along the guide track from a gripping position outside of a crimping area of a crimping assembly to a crimping position in the crimping area while the terminal gripper grips a terminal.