Axially Adjustable Gripping Unit for Automated Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gripping units are unable to automate the assembly of components with non-uniform geometry, leading to costly and error-prone manual assembly, and require multiple tools for automation, which is economically unattractive and results in inadequate force transmission and positioning.

Innovation Solution

A gripping unit with axially movable gripping fingers featuring projecting or recessed contours that form a form-fitting interface with the component, allowing for improved force transmission and precise centering, enabling automated assembly of differently configured components with the same unit without additional tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional gripping units are used for automated assembly, then automation is achieved, but force transmission into the component is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of assemblyVSAvoidforce transmission into component

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping fingers are equipped with locally adapted gripping contours that match the specific geometry of the component's holding region. These contours include axially projecting or recessed features that create form-fitting interfaces, concentrating force transmission at optimal locations while maintaining automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping contours are pre-configured with projecting or recessed features that engage with corresponding features on the component before the main assembly force is applied. This preliminary engagement ensures proper force transmission pathways are established from the outset of the automated assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If conventional gripping units are used for automated assembly, then automation is achieved, but positioning and centring precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of assemblyVSAvoidpositioning and centring precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping contours feature asymmetric projecting and recessed elements that are specifically designed to guide the component into the correct position and orientation. The asymmetric geometry creates natural alignment features that automatically center the component during the automated gripping process, eliminating positioning errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of manufacture

If manually assembled components have non-uniform geometry, then assembly can be completed, but cost increases and errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly completionVSAvoidassembly cost and error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping unit is designed with universal gripping contours that can adapt to different component geometries through the form-fitting interface. The same gripping unit can handle various component shapes by engaging with their respective holding regions, enabling automated assembly across multiple component types without requiring manual intervention for each variant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized gripping units are used for different components, then each component can be assembled, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent-specific assembly capabilityVSAvoidnumber of different tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single gripping unit is designed with universal gripping contours that can adapt to different component geometries through the form-fitting interface. The same gripping unit can handle various component shapes by engaging with their respective holding regions, enabling automated assembly across multiple component types without requiring manual intervention for each variant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping unit features movable gripping fingers that can adjust their position and engagement depth to accommodate different component geometries. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same gripping unit to adapt to various component shapes while maintaining automated operation, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11345046B2Gripping unit and component as well as releasable connection of both

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 MAHLE INT GMBH

AI summary

A gripping unit for the automated assembly of a component having at least one holding region may include at least one assembly gripper configured to grip the component in the at least one holding region. The at least one assembly gripper may include two gripping fingers that may be axially adjustable towards one another into a gripping position where the component is securable between the two gripping fingers, and that may be axially adjustable away from one another into a released position where the component is releasable from the two gripping fingers. The two gripping fingers may include a first gripping finger having a first gripping contour and a second gripping finger having a second gripping contour. The first gripping contour and the second gripping contour may be structured complimentary to the at least one holding region of the component.