Articulated Workpiece Support for Complex-Shape Component Joining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional workpiece connecting apparatuses face difficulties in connecting components to workpieces with complicated shapes, leading to reduced efficiency and compromised appearance quality, and require frequent adjustments of the worktable shape to accommodate varying workpiece shapes.

Innovation Solution

A workpiece connecting apparatus utilizing an articulated robot with a supporting body and multiple first plates arranged in different directions, capable of abutting on the back surface of the workpiece, along with a polyhedron structure and fasteners for secure attachment, to facilitate quick and efficient connection of components to workpieces with complex shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a planar work table is used for connection, then the connection process is simple, but it cannot accommodate workpieces with complicated shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to workpiece shapeVSAvoidwork table structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The work table is designed with adjustable supporting bodies that can change their position and orientation dynamically. The supporting bodies can be moved to different locations and adjusted to different angles to match the contours of various workpiece shapes, transforming a static planar surface into a dynamic adaptive support system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The work table surface is divided into multiple independent supporting bodies rather than a single continuous planar surface. Each supporting body can be independently adjusted to contact specific portions of the workpiece, allowing the system to adapt to complex geometries while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the work table shape is changed to match the workpiece shape, then the connection accuracy improves, but the work efficiency deteriorates due to frequent adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidwork efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting bodies are pre-positioned and pre-adjusted to match the expected workpiece geometry before the actual connection process begins. This preliminary setup allows for quick adaptation to different workpiece shapes without requiring time-consuming adjustments during production, thereby maintaining both high precision and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting bodies are designed with multi-functionality, capable of serving multiple workpiece shapes and connection requirements. By making the supporting bodies adjustable in position, orientation, and configuration, a single work table can accommodate various workpiece geometries without requiring dedicated tables for each shape, thus improving both precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If laser welding is performed on complicated shaped workpieces, then the appearance quality may be compromised, but connection speed is maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection speedVSAvoidappearance quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting bodies act as intermediaries between the laser welding process and the complicated shaped workpiece. By providing a stable, adjustable support structure that precisely positions the workpiece, the supporting bodies enable the laser welding process to maintain high speed while achieving good appearance quality through proper positioning and support during the welding operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables rapid and durable connection of components to workpieces with complicated shapes, maintaining high appearance quality by preventing distortion and allowing for flexible adaptation to various workpiece configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a first pressing articulated robot 3 and a supporting body 51 connected to a distal end of the first pressing articulated robot 3 and capable of being abutted on a back surface of the first workpiece W1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

irradiate the workpiece W and the component P with a laser beam L from a laser processing head 5 to connect the workpiece W and the component P

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS20260014654A1Workpiece connecting apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 STARTECHNO

AI summary

A workpiece connecting apparatus, which is capable of quickly connecting a component to a workpiece even if the workpiece has a complicated shape, connects a second workpiece to a front surface of a first workpiece by urging the second workpiece against the front surface of the first workpiece. The workpiece connecting apparatus includes, in particular, a first pressing articulated robot and a supporting body connected to a distal end of the first pressing articulated robot and capable of being abutted on the back surface of the first workpiece.