Automated Profile Loading System for Automotive Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current manual systems for loading extruded profiles in automotive sealing systems lead to incorrect placement, interference, and inadequate cleaning, resulting in suboptimal end attachment and frequent production line shutdowns due to high process variability.

Innovation Solution

An automated system comprising a mobile frame with guiding elements, a robot arm, and a control system for precise placement and cleaning of profile ends, ensuring correct orientation, leveling, and attachment in attachment molds, utilizing a gripping implement and cleaning means to prevent interferences and ensure optimal attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual loading is performed by an operator, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to high process variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator flexibilityVSAvoidplacement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation with an automated robot arm system equipped with a gripping implement. The robot arm is controlled by a control system that coordinates the mobile frame, guiding elements, and attachment molds, eliminating human variability while maintaining precise placement through automated control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-leveling and self-guiding mechanisms where the mobile frame and guiding elements automatically position and level the profiles without human intervention. The control system autonomously coordinates all components to achieve precise placement and consistent cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual loading is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and reliability worsen due to frequent shutdowns and incorrect placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidproduction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding elements are positioned and configured in advance to receive and level the profiles before they are placed in the attachment molds. The mobile frame is pre-configured with holding areas and guiding elements that automatically orient the profiles correctly, preventing placement errors before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors and coordinates the positions of the mobile frame, robot arm, guiding elements, and attachment molds. This closed-loop control ensures that each component is in the correct position and state, preventing errors and ensuring consistent, high-quality operations that maintain productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If profiles are not properly leveled, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to incorrect attachment conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleveling mechanism complexityVSAvoidattachment quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile leveling device ensures that all profile ends are brought to the same height or potential level before attachment. This leveling mechanism creates equipotential conditions for all profiles, ensuring that they are perfectly aligned and positioned for optimal attachment quality, regardless of minor variations in profile length or positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

4Ease of operation

If cleaning is performed manually, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision worsens due to inadequate cleaning of profile ends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning simplicityVSAvoidsurface cleanliness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The manual cleaning operation is replaced with an automated cleaning implement that is integrated into the robot arm system. This automated cleaner consistently and thoroughly cleans the profile ends by removing dirt generated during extrusion, ensuring uniform cleaning quality without requiring manual intervention and eliminating variability in cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3243627B1System and method for loading profiles for the attachment of the ends thereof

Publication Date: 2018.10.31 CQLT SAARGUMMI TECH S A R L

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AI summary

The invention relates to a system (10) for loading ends of profiles (11) for the attachment thereof, characterized in that it comprises at least one mobile frame (1), at least two guiding elements (5), at least one robot arm (2), and a control system (3) configured for controlling at least the mobile frame (1), at least the robot arm (2), at least two guiding elements (5) and at least two attachment molds (6). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for loading ends of profiles (11) for the attachment thereof.