Device and method for cable assembly

A method for assembling cables comprising:

• accessing by a computing device electronic information regarding a desired layout for cables and identifying desired locations on a support surface for each of a plurality of fastening and guide elements,
• the computing device using the electronic information to instruct a robotic positioning assembly to:
• a. grasp a selected fastening and guide element of the plurality of fastening and guide elements from a storage module, wherein the selected fastening and guide element is identified in the electronic information;
• b. move the selected fastening and guide element from the storage module to a location on the support surface identified in the electronic information;
• c. attach the selected fastening and guide element to the support surface at the location by applying a vacuum pressure element of the selected fastening and guide element to the support surface;
• d. repeating steps a to c for successive selected fastening and guide elements;
• feeding cable to the support surface by the robotic positioning assembly grasping an end of the cable and moving the end over the support surface in accordance with the electronic information, wherein the moving of the cable includes positioning the cable on the support surface and with respect to the selected fastening and guide elements in accordance with the cabling diagram included in the electronic information.

A system configured to arrange cables into a prescribed layout for the cables, the system comprising:

• a horizontal support surface;
• a storage module adjacent the horizontal support surface, wherein the storage module is configured to temporarily hold fastening and guide elements,
• the fastening and guide elements are each configured to guide cables or group cables together, and the fastening and guide elements each include a vacuum element configured to be attached to the support surface;
• a cable feeder adjacent the horizontal support surface;
• a robotic positioning device configured to position the fastening and guide elements on the support surface, said positioning assembly configured to receive and execute instructions from a computer controller, wherein the positioning assembly includes:
• a catching device configured to retrieve the fastening and guide elements from the storage module,
• a shifting device configured to move the cable fastening and guide elements from the storage module to their corresponding desired positions, and
• a joining device configured to press each of the plurality of the fastening and guide elements on the support surface such that a vacuum pressure element of each of the fastening and guide elements is pressed against said support surface.
• the computer controller configured to generate control instructions which cause the robotic positioning assembly to:
• a. grasp a selected fastening and guide element from the fastening and guide elements in the storage module;
• b. move the selected fastening and guide element from the storage module to a location on the support surface;
• c. attach the selected fastening and guide element to the support surface at the location by applying the vacuum pressure element of the selected fastening and guide element to the support surface;
• d. repeating steps a to d for successive selected fastening and guide elements.