Orthogonal Assembly Robot with Decoupled Z-Axis for Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automated assembly apparatuses using robots face reduced assembly accuracy due to increased inertial force during high-speed movement, particularly with Z-axis movement units, which affects the precision and efficiency of assembly operations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a holding unit with Z-axis movement and swinging capabilities to reduce the moment of inertia, allowing for accurate and high-speed assembly operations by decoupling the Z-axis movement from the X and Y-axis movements, thereby minimizing vibrations and improving positional accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an orthogonal robot includes a Z-axis movement unit to enable assembly operations in multiple directions, then the robot can perform assembly operations in multiple directions, but the inertial force of the hand increases during high speed movement, reducing assembly accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly directionsVSAvoidassembly accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the Z-axis movement function from the robot to a separate holding unit. The robot handles only horizontal movements (X and Y axes) while the holding unit handles vertical movements (Z axis), segmenting the motion control to reduce the robot's moment of inertia and improve assembly accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding unit acts as an intermediary between the robot and the assembly target component. It receives the assembly target component from the robot, performs vertical positioning independently, and enables multi-directional assembly without requiring the robot to have Z-axis movement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the robot moves at high speed to improve productivity, then the assembly efficiency increases, but the inertial force increases, reducing assembly accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidassembly accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the motion control between the robot (horizontal) and holding unit (vertical), the system allows the robot to move at high speed in the horizontal plane with reduced moment of inertia, while the holding unit independently manages vertical positioning to maintain assembly accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the holding unit vertically moves and swings to achieve accurate assembly operations, then the assembly accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly accuracyVSAvoidholding unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding unit combines vertical movement and swinging functions into a single integrated structure, reducing the overall device complexity compared to equipping the robot with separate Z-axis movement and swinging capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3006167B1Automated assembly apparatus, automated assembly system and automated assembly method
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 CANON KK
  • EP3006167B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3006167B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3006167B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An automated assembly apparatus comprises an assembly robot that includes a Y-axis movement unit, a first X-axis movement unit movable in a Y-axis direction along the Y-axis movement unit, and a grip unit movable in an X-axis direction along the X-axis movement unit, and a workbench unit including a Z-axis movement unit arranged below the assembly robot with respect to an Z-axis and a workbench movable in the Z-axis direction along the Z-axis movement unit, wherein an assembly operation for a first assembly component gripped by the grip unit and a second assembly component mounted on the workbench unit is performed through movement in the Z-axis direction by the workbench unit.