Automatic assembly path planning for wiring harness installations

The automotive industry of today is becoming more focused on electrified and hybrid solutions, where both conventional combustion engines and battery supplied electrical engines need to fit in an already densely packed vehicle. Many quality problems are related do flexible parts. In particular, the assembly of electric cables and wiring harnesses is difficult due to its concealed routing, multiple branching points, weights and the flexibility in the material. To avoid late detection of assembly problems, the assembly aspect must be considered early during conceptual design and production preparation with respect to both feasibility and ergonomics. Development of automatic path planning methods in virtual manufacturing tools supporting deformable parts is therefore highly motivated.