Wire Harness Fixing Jig for Parallel X-Ray CT Crimp Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the crimping state of electric wires in wire harnesses are time-consuming, especially when dealing with large numbers of wires, as they rely on X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging which requires significant time to acquire images.
Innovation Solution
A crimping determination device and method that utilize an electric wire fixing jig designed for X-ray CT imaging, allowing multiple wire harnesses to be imaged simultaneously. The jig features a base portion with grooves that align and fix the wire harnesses, enabling efficient X-ray CT imaging and rapid determination of crimping state quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray CT imaging is used to determine the crimping state of electric wires, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wire harnesses into a single imaging group that can be captured in one X-ray CT scan. The fixing jig holds multiple wire harnesses in predetermined positions, allowing simultaneous imaging of multiple crimping states without sequential scanning, thus reducing total inspection time while maintaining measurement precision through consistent positioning and imaging parameters
2Measurement precision
If multiple wire harnesses are inspected individually through X-ray CT imaging, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing jig enables merging of multiple wire harnesses into a single inspection unit, allowing parallel processing of multiple crimping quality determinations. The jig's design with multiple fixing portions and positioning structures ensures that each wire harness maintains proper orientation and spacing for accurate individual assessment while being inspected simultaneously with others, thereby increasing productivity without compromising measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from inspecting wire harnesses in sequence (one-dimensional time progression) to inspecting multiple wire harnesses simultaneously in three-dimensional space using the fixing jig. The jig arranges multiple wire harnesses at different spatial positions that can all be captured within a single X-ray CT scan volume, effectively adding spatial parallelism to the inspection process and dramatically improving productivity
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
Enables rapid and efficient determination of crimping state quality for multiple wire harnesses, reducing the time required for inspections and improving the reliability of wire harnesses by identifying potential defects such as oxidation or disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
a base portion 111B made of a material that transmits imaging X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electric wire fixing jig for X-ray CT imaging of a wire harness has a base portion of a material that transmits imaging X-rays and a groove. The groove extends depthwise in a first direction into a first surface of the base portion. The groove has a width in a second direction along the first surface of the base portion that is greater than a diameter of a wire of the wire harness. The groove extends lengthwise in a third direction through a pair of facing outer surfaces of the base portion.