Adjustable Clamping Jaws for Robot Coupling Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for mobile process devices and programmable industrial robots lack efficiency, rigidity, and versatility, particularly in manual workstations, and often require complex manual adjustments and are not adaptable to various workstations.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with adjustable parallel clamping jaws that can be positioned precisely using mechanical and optical means, allowing for secure clamping on a tabletop, enabling flexible deployment on multiple workstations and ensuring energy efficiency and mechanical stability, while a sensor system detects correct alignment and foreign objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a coupling device is designed to be lightweight and mobile, then energy efficiency and maneuverability improve, but mechanical stability and rigidity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device integrates multiple functional components within a compact mobile platform. The robot system is nested within the mobile process device, which includes integrated coupling means, positioning means, and detection means all contained within the mobile structure. This nesting approach maintains lightweight design while consolidating stability-enhancing features.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device performs preliminary positioning and alignment actions before the robot begins operation. The positioning means pre-adjusts the robot's position and orientation on the mobile platform, and the detection means pre-verifies correct coupling and alignment. This preliminary action ensures mechanical stability is established before operational forces are applied.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used in coupling devices, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates self-positioning and self-adjusting mechanisms. The positioning means automatically adjusts the robot's position on the mobile platform without manual intervention, and the detection means automatically verifies correct coupling. This self-service approach maintains simple device structure while achieving high positioning precision through automated feedback and adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a coupling device is designed for universal applicability, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile process device is designed as a universal platform that can couple with different robot types and adapt to various workstation environments. The coupling means and positioning means are designed to accommodate different robot configurations, and the detection means can verify correct coupling across different applications. This multi-functionality is achieved through standardized interfaces and adjustable positioning mechanisms.
4Productivity
If the robot is positioned close to the process area, then productivity improves, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means continuously monitors the robot's position, coupling status, and surrounding environment. This feedback system detects potential safety issues such as incorrect positioning, improper coupling, or obstacles in the process area. The system provides real-time information to operators and can trigger safety protocols, enabling the robot to operate close to the process area while maintaining safety through continuous monitoring and feedback.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device (8) and a method for coupling a mobile process apparatus (5) having a programmable industrial robot (7) and a conveying device (6) to a workplace (2) in a process station (1). The coupling device (8) includes a clamping mechanism (9) comprising a clamping jaw and a clamping means (25), the clamping mechanism forming a clamping connection between the clamping jaw and a table leaf (3), said clamping connection fastening the process device (5) to the workplace (2).