Apparatus and Method for Automated Insertion of Conductor Elements into Connector Housings

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention relates to an automated system and method for equipping connector housings with wire elements, such as those used in automotive wiring harnesses. It utilizes an industrial robot equipped with a specialized processing head that has at least two or more positioning grippers. Each gripper can independently handle and insert each end of a wire element into different connector housings. The system is designed to automate the process, increasing reliability and speed over manual methods.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Assembly lines for automotive wiring harness manufacturing
• Industrial automation systems for producing electrical or electronic cable assemblies
• Robotic solutions for assembling complex electrical distribution systems
• Any factory environment needing rapid, repeatable connector wiring insertion

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly increases production speed for wiring harnesses and connector assemblies
• Reduces manual labor requirements and associated errors
• Enables flexible and reliable automation even for custom or low-volume harness configurations
• Improves process safety and quality through integrated sensors monitoring force and position during insertion
• Allows for scalable and modular integration into larger automated manufacturing systems

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The system (2) is used to equip connector housings (4) with a line element (8) in an automated manner, which line element has two line ends (6). For this purpose, a manipulator (24) is used, which in particular is designed as a conventional industrial robot. Said manipulator has a processing head (30), which has a carrier (32) and at least two positioning grippers (34) fastened to the carrier (32). Each of the positioning grippers (34) has a gripping unit (38) for gripping one line end (6) of the line element (8). Thus, the equipping of connector housings (4) at high process speed is achieved.