Active Compensating Unit for Collision-Free Tool Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compensating units in automation systems require modifications to the handling apparatus' path to compensate for deviations, leading to poor dynamic properties and increased wear due to undesired collisions.
Innovation Solution
An active compensating unit with drive means and a control unit that adjusts the fastening part's basic position in multiple directions, minimizing collisions by correcting deviations without altering the handling apparatus' path, using closed-loop control to regulate forces and moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the handling apparatus' path is modified to compensate for deviations, then position accuracy is improved, but dynamic properties deteriorate and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the compensation function from the handling apparatus by introducing a dedicated compensating unit with a movable fastening part. The handling apparatus maintains its original path while the fastening part independently adjusts to compensate for deviations, thus preserving dynamic properties while achieving position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensating unit acts as an intermediary between the handling apparatus and the tool. It absorbs position deviations through the movable fastening part's adjustment capability, allowing the handling apparatus to operate along its original optimized path without modifications.
2Strength
If spring means with preloading force are used to limit compensating movement, then collision damage is reduced, but the range of compensating movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening part is designed with active drive means that can dynamically adjust its position within the compensating range. The system can adapt the compensating movement range based on real-time requirements while spring means provide configurable preloading forces to limit maximum movement and protect against excessive collision forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows configuration of spring preloading forces and drive means parameters to adjust the compensating movement characteristics. By changing these parameters, the system can optimize the balance between collision protection and compensating range for different application requirements.
3Reliability
If a switching device is added to generate stop signals at maximum deflection, then collision protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive means for the fastening part incorporates feedback control to monitor position and forces/moments. The control unit continuously adjusts the fastening part's position based on feedback signals, eliminating the need for separate mechanical switching devices while maintaining collision protection through active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical switching devices with an electronic control system. The control unit uses sensors and drive means to actively monitor and control the fastening part's position, substituting mechanical limit switches with electronic feedback-based position control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces wear and maintains system dynamics by actively adjusting the fastening part's position to match object deviations, ensuring consistent forces without requiring path modifications in the handling apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
spring means for returning the fastening part from the compensating position into the basic position
Implementation Method 2
drive means for the purpose of adjusting the basic position of the fastening part along the at least one compensating direction
Implementation Method 3
control unit, in particular set up to control the drive means on the basis of forces and/or moments acting on the compensating unit
Implementation Method 4
position sensors are provided for determining an actual position of the fastening part in the respective compensating direction
Data Source
AI summary
Compensating unit for an automation system, in particular for arranging between a handling apparatus and a tool, having a main part and having a fastening part, wherein the fastening part is arranged such that it can be moved in relation to the main part along at least one compensating direction from a basic position into a compensating position, and having spring means for returning the fastening part from the compensating position into the basic position, characterized in that drive means are provided within the compensating unit for the purpose of adjusting the basic position of the fastening part along the at least one compensating direction.