Wiring harness design in CATIA V5 - 3D modeling Week 2 Challenge

In this Challenges we have create a Catalog and add the Electrically defined parts in the Catalog:

• What is a Catalog Document?
            A catalog is a CATIA V5 document that keeps a list of references to other CATIA parts and features. In a wiringharness it means that we can store a set of electrically defined parts(like Connectors, Clamps, Clips etc.)in a document and insert into product assembly whenever they are required.
• PROCEDURE FOR CREATING CATALOG DOCUMENT:
  1. When a CATIA software is started.
     Click on File > New > In List of Types : Catalog Document, a small window like below pops up where the highlighted bluecoloured selection (Catalog Document) has to be selected.
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  2. A new window opens up as shown below.
     Towards right of the window you can find highlighted tab (chapter).

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  3. As shown in above tab select the Icon - add family.
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  4. Clicking on the above Icon > a small Family Definition window opens up.
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  5. So in this we are considering the creating a Connectors Catalog creation so in
     Name > Connectors
     Type > Electrical
     At last, Click on OK.
     
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  6. Family name : Connectors is created, shown below.
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  7. For saving the file, press Ctrl + S on the keyboard and name it as Connectors_Catalog.
     
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  8. Close the Catalog document created. 
  9. Similarly create another catlog for Clips named as Clips_Catalog.
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• DEFINING THE PARTS ELECTRICALLY:
  1. Downloaded the Connectors Part from te.com.
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  2. Define the Point and Axis Sysytem.
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  3. Switch into Electrical Part Design.
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  4. Define a part as connector.
     
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  5. For defining part as a Connector under Electrical Device Definition we have to select the connector. 
     
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  6. Clicking on the above Icon > a small Connector Definition window opens up.
     So in this we a defining the part as Electrically
     Type > Single Insert Connector
     No. of Terminations > 8 (Based on the Terminal Ports)
     At last, Click on OK. 
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  7. After defining the part electrically then we has to define the following:
     1. Connector Connection Point: This point is used for the connection of one connector to another connector.
     2. Harness Bundle Entry Point: This point defines where the harness bundle segment point will end when routed to the electrical connector.
     3. Cavity Connection Point (Optional): This point is used to define the connection of a connector to a connector clip. This only applies to connectors which have the mounting feature for a connector clip.
  8. For defining a Harness Bundle Entry under Electrical Connection Point Definition we have to select the Bundle Connection Point.
     
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  9. Clicking on the above Icon > a small Bundle Connection Point window opens up.
     So in this we a define the Bundle Connection Point
     Representation > 
     Point > 
     Initial Condition > 
     At last, Click on OK.
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  10. For defining a Connector Connection Point under Electrical Connection Point Definition we have to select the Connector Connection Point. 
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  11. Clicking on the above Icon > a small Connector Connection Point window opens up.
      So in this we a define the Connector Connection Point
      Representation > (Connector Connection Point)
      Contact > (Connector Mating Face)
      Coincidence > (Coincidence Axis)
      Orientation > (Orientation Axis)
      At last, Click on OK.
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  12. Here is the tree structure. 
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  13. Finally save the electrically defined part.
  14. For another part from (step1 - step13) the same way for other Connector in this we additionally add Cavity Connection Point.
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  15. For defining a Cavity Connection Point under Electrical Connection Point Definition we have to select the Cavity Connection Point.
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  16. Clicking on the above Icon > a small Cavity Connection Point window opens up.
      So in this we a define the Cavity Connection Point
      Representation > (Cavity Connection Point)
      Contact > (Cavity Mating Face)
      Coincidence > (Coincidence Axis)
      Orientation > (Orientation Axis)
      At last, Click on OK.
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  17. Here is the tree structure. 
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  18. Finally save the electrically defined part.
  19. Define another part as a Mounting Equipment and define the Cavity.
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  20. For defining part as a Mounting Equipment under Electrical Device Definition we have to select the Mounting Equipment.
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  21. Clicking on the above Icon > a small Mounting Equipment Definition window opens up.
      Click on OK.
      
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  22. For defining a Cavity under Electrical Connection Point Definition we have to select the Cavity.
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  23. Clicking on the above Icon > a small Cavity Connection Point window opens up.
      So in this we a define the Cavity Connection Point
      Representation > (Cavity Connection Point)
      Contact > (Cavity Mating Face)
      Coincidence > (Coincidence Axis)
      Orientation > (Orientation Axis)
      At last, Click on OK.
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  24. Here is the tree structure.
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  25. Finally save the electrically defined part.

• ADDING THE ELECTRICALLY DEFINED PART IN CATLOG: 
  1. In the same window there is a symbol  called a storage device where we can store the various Connectors, Clips, Clamps etc.
  2. Selecting the above icon we have to add the Connectors to the Connectors_Catalog document - By clicking on the Icon shown below, navigate to the path where the Connectors_Catalog document is saved, also select the family (Connectors) which was created in step 5. Finally, Click OK , where the Connectors_Catalog is saved in Catalog.
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  3. Similarly we add n number of Connectors, Clamps, Clips etc. are saved to the Catalog document.
  4. To check whether all the Connectors & Clips are added into the Catalog,do follow the steps below.
     1. Navigate to the Connectors_Catalog & Clips_Catalog in the folder and open it in CATIA software.
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     2. Expand the chapter 1, Where the Connectors & Clips saved will open.
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     3. Double Click on the Connectors & Clips in the feature tree, navigate & click on to the preview tab to view the Connectors & Clips saved in the Connectors_Catalog & Clips_Catalog document.
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