Adjustable Sewing Fixture for Robotic Access to Complex Stitch Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic sewing assemblies face challenges in accessing all stitch locations on complex parts or articles with limited access, particularly on instrument panels, due to design constraints that restrict access from the top or bottom.
Innovation Solution
A fixture is provided that adjusts the position and orientation of the article relative to the sewing head, enabling the robotic sewing assembly to manipulate the article in multiple directions, including rotation about axes and lateral movements, allowing access to all sewing locations through a servo unit and programmable controller operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic arm is designed with fixed access paths from top or bottom, then the structure is simple, but it cannot access all stitch locations on complex instrument panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the fixture movable in multiple directions (up, down, left, right, rotate left, rotate right) rather than fixed. This allows the fixture to dynamically adjust its position and orientation to access different stitch locations on complex instrument panels, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to various sewing positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends access beyond the traditional top-bottom vertical dimension by adding lateral movement (left-right) and rotational capabilities. This dimensional expansion enables the robotic arm to reach stitch locations that would otherwise be inaccessible, effectively adding new degrees of freedom to the positioning system.
2Ease of operation
If the fixture is made movable in multiple directions, then access to hard-to-reach areas is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fixture into multiple independently controllable movement components (vertical movement, horizontal movement, rotation). Each segment can be controlled separately through the programmable controller, allowing complex positioning to be achieved through coordinated simple movements. This segmentation reduces the complexity of controlling the overall system by breaking it down into manageable subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a programmable controller that automatically coordinates the fixture movements and robotic arm operations without requiring manual intervention. The controller reads the article position, determines the appropriate fixture adjustments, and executes the sewing sequence autonomously, making the system self-sufficient and reducing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If the robotic arm and fixture operate independently, then each component is simple, but complete sewing of complex geometries cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of the robotic arm and the fixture into a unified system managed by a single programmable controller. The controller integrates the positioning commands for both components, ensuring they operate in coordinated fashion to complete sewing operations on complex geometries. This merging creates a synergistic effect where the combined capability exceeds the sum of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the programmable controller monitors the position and status of both the robotic arm and fixture, adjusting their operations in real-time to maintain proper alignment and complete the sewing task. This feedback loop ensures coordinated operation and enables the system to adapt to variations in article positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic sewing assembly is provided. The robotic sewing assembly includes a fixture to support an article being sewn and a robotic arm. The robotic arm includes a sewing head. The sewing head is configured to apply stitching to the article. The robotic arm is configured to manipulate the sewing head in multiple directions relative to the article. The fixture includes a servo unit to which the article is connected and which is configured to manipulate the article in multiple directions relative to the sewing head. The robotic arm, the sewing head and the servo unit are operable in concert.