Assembly Tool Parameterization via Readable Code

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assembly tools require manual programming or connection to a higher-level controller for process automation, which is inefficient and limits their use in Industry 4.0 applications.

Innovation Solution

An assembly tool with a read-in interface that uses a readable code, such as a one- or two-dimensional matrix code, to quickly parameterize itself for specific processes, eliminating the need for manual entry or higher-level control connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If assembly tools are manually programmed or connected to higher-level controllers for process automation, then process reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses readable codes (optical copies of process information) attached to components or documents to transfer process parameters to the assembly tool. This copying approach eliminates the need for complex manual programming or controller connections, as the process data is directly copied from the code to the tool's memory, simplifying the system architecture while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly tool is equipped with a read-in interface that enables it to autonomously read and process parameters from readable codes without external intervention. This self-service capability allows the tool to automatically configure itself for different assembly tasks, eliminating the need for manual programming or continuous controller supervision, thereby reducing device complexity while improving operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual entry or activation of processes is required, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Process parameters are pre-encoded in readable codes attached to components or documents before the assembly operation begins. When the assembly tool reads the code, the parameters are already prepared and immediately available for execution. This preliminary encoding eliminates the need for manual entry during operation, significantly improving productivity while requiring only simple code scanning from the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If connection to higher-level process control is established, then process reliability is improved, but device complexity and loss of time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess reliabilityVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential process parameters from the higher-level control system and embeds them directly in readable codes attached to individual components or documents. This extraction allows the assembly tool to obtain all necessary information locally from the code without needing to maintain a continuous connection to the higher-level controller, eliminating communication delays and reducing system complexity while preserving process reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3165334B1Method for parameterization of an installation tool, installation tool and readable code
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3165334B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for parameterizing an assembly tool (100) with a parameter set that serves to execute a process with the assembly tool (!00), wherein the parameter set is stored in a readable code (200), wherein the readable code (200) is read in by means of a read interface (132) of the assembly tool (100), and wherein the assembly tool (100) is parameterized with the parameter set read in from the readable code (200), as well as such an assembly tool (100) and such a readable code (200).