Automation

key figure

Suitability of wire harness components for automated production.

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Stephan Fahrnbauer

BMW AG

Mr. Fahrnbauer works in the field of electrology and configuration

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Automation key figure

Creation of a user manual for designers

Sub-project 4 (TP4) is developing a generally valid evaluation method that will enable a statement to be made about the automation effort involved in the assembly of components in wire harness production. The result of the method is a key figure that characterizes the technical automation effort of an assembly step under consideration and is subsequently referred to as the automation key figure. In order to determine the product- and process-specific criteria relevant for an evaluation, SP4 pursues an interdisciplinary approach and incorporates the design guidelines from SP1 and SP2 at an early stage.

Initial situation and motivation

Particularly in the field of wire harness assembly, which is largely characterized by manual value creation, the automation of production offers great potential. The correct selection of automation-compatible components and the early assessment of automation capability in a new development are crucial for a high degree of automation in wire harness assembly. The automation index developed in this TP is intended to support the selection process for the user in a comprehensible and reproducible manner.

Current focus of work

In order to achieve broad acceptance of the results developed in this TP, it is particularly important to consider important interdependencies and to integrate the expertise available in the industry into the evaluation method. The procedure model followed here is described in [1].

The current focus of work is to further detail the method's approach by comparing it with the FMEA approach using selected product groups as examples.

[1] Article ATZproduktion 3-4/2020 - Stefan Olbrich, Lab Hang Ren: Determination of the technical automation effort

Outlook

The next steps involve further validating the process model for evaluating an automation KPI by processing additional components from different component classes. Due to the high complexity of the process model and the resulting high expenditure of time, the aim is to streamline the evaluation process to a minimum.

The knowledge gained from this procedure will then be recorded in a user manual for designers. This manual will describe the methodology in detail. Manufacturers should be able to voluntarily determine the automation index for their products in order to be made aware of the effects of their technical solution with regard to the technical automation effort in wire harness assembly at an early stage.

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These partners support the Wire Harness innovation initiative. The IILS is open to further partners. If you are interested in participating, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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