Adjustable Ballast System for Work Piece Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the physical characteristics of a work piece, such as center of mass and moment of inertia, are time-consuming and labor-intensive, involving complex setups with load tables and multiple critical lifts, which result in significant production delays and measurement errors due to large sensor operating ranges.
Innovation Solution
A manipulator assembly with a movable ballast system that positions a counter ballast relative to torque sensors to minimize torque measurements, allowing for accurate determination of physical characteristics by using sensors with smaller operating ranges and reducing measurement errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional load table methods are used to determine physical characteristics, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical load table system with a manipulator assembly equipped with force/torque sensors. The manipulator uses controlled motion and sensor measurements to determine physical characteristics, substituting complex mechanical lifting and positioning with automated robotic manipulation and sensor-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using force and torque measurements during controlled motion instead of static weight measurements. By measuring forces during dynamic positioning and using these parameters to calculate center of mass and moment of inertia, the system achieves accurate results more efficiently.
2Measurement precision
If traditional load table methods are used to determine physical characteristics, then comprehensive measurements can be obtained, but labor intensity and production delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator assembly performs self-positioning and self-measurement through automated control. The system independently executes the measurement sequence, controlling the manipulator's motion, collecting sensor data, and calculating physical characteristics without requiring manual intervention for each measurement step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement by having the manipulator perform multiple measurements in sequence without interrupting the production flow. The system can measure multiple work pieces consecutively, with each measurement building on the previous data, eliminating the need to stop production for separate measurement operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If large sensor operating ranges are used in traditional methods, then various work pieces can be accommodated, but measurement errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic measurement approaches where the manipulator actively moves the work piece through controlled trajectories. By using motion-based measurements and calculating physical characteristics from dynamic force and torque data, the system maintains high precision across different work piece types without relying on static sensor range adjustments.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time and labor required to identify physical characteristics, achieving accurate results in minutes to hours compared to days, while minimizing measurement errors by using sensors with smaller operating ranges.
Implementation Method 1
The movable ballast assembly includes a counter ballast movably coupled along the at least one guide and configured for positioning along the at least one guide relative to the sensor interface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A testing system configured to determine at least one physical characteristic of a work piece. The testing system includes an effector frame having an effector interface configured for coupling with a manipulator assembly. The effector frame includes at least one torque sensor. A ballast bracket is configured for coupling between the at least one torque sensor and the work piece. The ballast bracket includes a sensor interface coupled with the at least one torque sensor, and at least one work piece latch configured for coupling with the work piece. A movable ballast assembly is coupled with the ballast bracket, and includes a counter ballast movably coupled with the ballast bracket and movable relative to the at least one torque sensor. A ballast actuator coupled with the counter ballast is configured to move the counter ballast relative to the at least one torque sensor.