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Reconfigurable robot end effector assembly

A technology of end effectors and components, applied in the direction of manipulators, circuits, connections, etc., can solve the problems of packaging size, adjustability and weight that are not ideal

Active Publication Date: 2016-05-04
GM GLOBAL TECH OPERATIONS LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, traditional designs for interconnecting multiple arms and branches and for routing power to end tooling may still be suboptimal relative to package size, adjustability and weight

Method used

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  • Reconfigurable robot end effector assembly
  • Reconfigurable robot end effector assembly
  • Reconfigurable robot end effector assembly

Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0015] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, a reconfigurable end effector assembly 10 is schematically shown at figure 1 middle. End effector assembly 10 includes a main arm 12 connected via a T-fitting 15 or other suitable connector to a support arm 16 having a longitudinal axis 11 . The arm 16 may have an inner wall 19, such as figure 2 and 4 shown in . The main arm 12 can be positioned anywhere in the Cartesian (xyz) frame of reference (i.e., free space) as desired by the robot (R) 14, such as a multi-axis material handling robot of the type commonly used in manufacturing facilities for logistics purposes . As is well understood in the art, such a robot 14 is programmable, fixed to a stationary or movable base, and configured to position the main arm 12 with respect to the workpiece (WP) as desired.

[0016] The support arm 16 of the end effector assembly 10 extends orthogonally with respect to the main arm 12 thro...

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PUM

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Abstract

A reconfigurable end-effector assembly includes a master boom, a limb, and branches. The branches extend radially outward from the limb. Tandem branch joint assemblies connect the branches to the limb, and include a first and a second branch joint each having a cam lock. Tool modules mounted to the branches are translatable and rotatable with respect to the branches. The joint assemblies rotate and slide with respect to the longitudinal axis of the limb only when the cam lock is released. A configuration tool has an actuator and fingers. The branch joints define openings that are engaged via the fingers. The tool includes a latch which engages the cam lock, and clamps and unclamps the cam lock. A flexible dress package is mountable to the limb and configured to route lengths of conduit to each of the tool modules.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates to reconfigurable robotic end effector assemblies. Background technique [0002] Robotic end effectors are used in a variety of manufacturing processes to perform tasks on specified workpieces. An end effector may include a tooling module having an end tool that is designed to grip, transport, orient and release a workpiece. Some end effectors include a main arm that is grasped and moved by the material handling robot as needed. An end effector arm extends outwardly from the main arm. A plurality of branches extend radially outward from the arm to form an array of tool modules. [0003] Individual tool modules and end tooling can be manually adjusted to a desired position and orientation prior to performing a job task. Such an end effector may facilitate the manufacturing process. However, conventional designs for interconnecting multiple arms and branches and for routing power to the end tool may still be suboptimal...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(China)
IPC IPC(8): B25J15/00B25J17/02
CPCB25J15/0061B25J15/0616Y10T403/32057
Inventor Y-T.林R.J.梅纳萨J.波勒斯L.伦格小约瑟夫.J.埃克尔
Owner GM GLOBAL TECH OPERATIONS LLC
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