Additive Manufacturing Gripping Tool for Manipulator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping tools for manipulator devices are complex, heavy, and require laborious calibration operations, making them inefficient and costly for use in assembling stations, particularly in motor-vehicle structure assembly.
Innovation Solution
The gripping tool employs additive manufacturing technology to create a lightweight, compact structure with adjustable gripping devices and integrated sensors, allowing for simplified calibration and precise positioning of pieces using magnetic-effect or suction cup gripping devices distributed in groups on a single-piece supporting body, which can be adjusted along orthogonal axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gripping tools are used with multiple separate components, then the tool can provide multiple gripping functions, but the tool becomes heavy and complex in structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gripping devices and their supporting structures into a single integrated body made by additive manufacturing. This merging of previously separate components into one unified structure reduces the overall tool weight while maintaining all necessary gripping functions at different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece supporting body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the gripping devices, acts as a calibration reference, and enables positioning along three orthogonal axes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration fixtures and supporting structures.
2Ease of operation
If traditional gripping tools with multiple separate components are used, then the tool can be adjusted, but the calibration operations become long and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the calibration reference features directly into the supporting body itself. The same structure that supports the gripping devices also provides the geometric references for calibration, eliminating the need for separate calibration fixtures and reducing calibration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The additive manufacturing process creates the supporting body with pre-integrated locating surfaces and reference features built-in during manufacturing. This preliminary incorporation of calibration references eliminates the need for time-consuming post-assembly calibration operations.
3Device complexity
If additive manufacturing is used to create the supporting body, then the tool structure becomes simplified and lighter, but the manufacturing technology requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical manufacturing and assembly processes with additive manufacturing technology. This substitution allows complex integrated structures to be created in a single manufacturing step without requiring multiple machining operations or assembly operations, ultimately simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the advanced technology required.
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping tool, which can be used by a manipulator device for picking-up and handling pieces, includes a plurality of gripping devices (50), distributed in groups, each group consisting of one or more gripping devices. The gripping devices (50) of each group of gripping devices are mounted on a same supporting body (P), which is made in one-piece by an additive manufacturing technology.