Light-Guided Connector Assembly from CAMI

Tag : Connector
Acton, MA — CAMI Research is introducing a new, patentedcomputer-assisted technique for assembling circular connectors usedin aerospace and other high-reliability applications. The "LightDirector ™ " system uses light fibers driven by super-bright LED lamps toindividually illuminate target cavities in the connector beingassembled. When the technician enters the wire code printed onunconnected wires, a computer program turns on the appropriatefiber.

This causes a bright, flashing light to project from inside thetarget cavity guiding the technician to the proper insertion point.Correct insertion is confirmed by the elimination of light fromthat location, while inserting into an incorrect location leavesthe flashing light visible.

The Light Director also uses high-quality synthetic speech inEnglish or Spanish to read the pin number to the technician,further reinforcing the target location. Speech recognition is alsoavailable as an option permitting the technician to read wire codesto the system, thus eliminating the need for a keyboard or monitor.Normally, technicians crimp pins on wires in advance of assembly.Wires may be identified during the assembly process by numericcode, bar code, color code, or if no codes are present, byelectrical detection using a wrist-strap if the far end of thecable has already been assembled and can be electrically connectedto the system.

Field testing has shown that the Light Director doubles assemblyrate over manual methods while nearly eliminating errors. Becausethe Light Director greatly reduces the perceptual challenge ofmanually locating pin cavities in a complex connector, technicianfatigue is greatly reduced permitting a continuous, highproductivity rate throughout the work day.

The Light Director is an accessory for the company's CableEye ® PC-Based cable test system. Users purchase a mounting kit for eachmating connector consisting of a plug-in board with LED socketsthat attaches to the tester, LED light fibers, fiber guide boards,and a connector support board.

Contact: CAMI Research Inc., 530 Main Street, Suite 2 Acton, MA01720 978-266-2655 fax: 978-266-2658 Web: http://www.camiresearch.com