Wire Assembly Sequencing for Conflict-Aware Autonomous Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated wire routing machinery is limited by branch points, constraining movement and optimizing the sequencing process is crucial for efficient automation in complex electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
An algorithm and apparatus for autonomous wire routing that defines nodes and edges, applies greedy algorithms to minimize conflicts, and uses a weighted directed conflict graph to optimize wire sequencing, breaking cycles to achieve an efficient routing order.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated wire routing machinery is used, then productivity is improved, but the machinery is limited by branch points where wires cross to exit the raceway
Solution Approach 1:
The wire routing problem is segmented into discrete units (wires) with specific properties (color, length, routing path). Each wire is treated as an independent entity that can be routed separately through the raceway, allowing the machinery to handle complex configurations by processing individual wire segments rather than attempting to route all wires simultaneously through fixed paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines the routing sequence based on the actual configuration of wires and branch points. The machinery adapts its operation order based on real-time detection of wire positions, colors, and routing requirements, allowing flexible adjustment of routing paths without fixed predetermined sequences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual wire routing is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity and takt times are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-organization by automatically detecting wire configurations, determining routing paths, and sequencing operations without requiring manual intervention. The machinery autonomously identifies wire properties (color, length, position) and independently calculates the optimal routing sequence, eliminating the need for manual planning while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the actual wire configuration during routing operations and adjusts its sequence based on detected conditions. Sensors detect wire positions, colors, and routing status in real-time, providing feedback that allows the machinery to modify its operation order dynamically to match actual requirements.
3Productivity
If sequencing is optimized to maximize autonomous routing, then productivity is improved, but complex conflict resolution is required among multiple wires
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the complex sequencing problem into a set of manageable parameters: wire color, wire length, wire position, and routing direction. By categorizing wires based on these discrete parameters and establishing priority rules for each parameter combination, the complex conflict resolution is reduced to systematic comparisons of simple attributes rather than complex optimization calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing sequence is determined by local characteristics of individual wires and their specific positions in the raceway. Each wire's routing priority is based on its local properties (color, length, position) rather than global optimization, allowing simple local decision rules to emerge into an efficient overall sequence without requiring complex centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
Sequencing wire assembly for autonomous routing is described. Sequencing includes defining a weighted directed conflict graph representing a plurality of wires to be routed in a raceway includes a plurality of nodes defined by the plurality of wires and a plurality of edges defined by a set of routing precedents among the plurality of wires where a subsequent wire that is to be routed across a precedent wire within the raceway yields routing precedence to the precedent wire with regard to sequencing wire assembly denoted by one of the plurality of edges between the precedent wire and the subsequent wire that is directed from the precedent wire to the subsequent wire, increments an integer value of deg out=1 with regard to the precedent wire and increments an integer value deg in=1 with regard to the subsequent wire.