Camera-Guided Robotic Arm Positioning for Fixture-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic assembly systems face challenges in accurately positioning robotic arms during assembly operations of transport structures, such as vehicles and aircraft, due to the need for precise alignment and secure connection of nodes with varying sizes and geometries, which requires advanced positioning techniques to ensure safety and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising robotic arms equipped with cameras and controllers that use image data from markers to generate and execute precise movement instructions, allowing for accurate positioning and connection of nodes with parts through computer-generated instructions, enabling precise assembly operations without the need for fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robotic arms are used to perform assembly operations, then productivity is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to the complexity of coordinating multiple robotic arms and ensuring accurate alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs cameras to capture image data of markers on robotic arms and parts, providing real-time feedback on position and orientation. The computer processes this visual feedback and generates corrective movement instructions to maintain positioning precision within tolerance thresholds, enabling multiple robotic arms to work coordinates with high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Markers are introduced as intermediary elements that facilitate precise positioning. These markers serve as visual intermediaries between the robotic arms and the parts, enabling the camera-based system to accurately determine positions and orientations without direct mechanical measurement, thus maintaining precision while enabling automated coordination.
2Productivity
If multiple robotic arms operate simultaneously, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases due to the need for coordinated control and positioning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses visual copying through camera imaging of markers to replicate position and orientation information across multiple robotic arms. Each robotic arm's position is captured as an image of its marker, and this visual copy is processed by the computer to generate coordinated movement instructions, simplifying the control complexity compared to direct mechanical coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coordination systems with an optical-computational system. Instead of using mechanical linkages or physical guides to coordinate robotic arms, the system uses cameras to capture marker positions and a computer to calculate and distribute movement instructions, reducing mechanical complexity while enabling simultaneous operation of multiple robotic arms.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning is achieved through traditional mechanical methods, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to the need for fixtures and mechanical guides
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical positioning methods (fixtures, guides, and physical alignment tools) with an optical-computational approach. Cameras capture images of markers to determine positions, and a computer processes these images to generate precise movement instructions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning infrastructure while maintaining or improving precision within tolerance thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
Markers serve as lightweight intermediary elements that replace heavy mechanical fixtures and guides. These markers provide the necessary reference information for positioning without requiring complex mechanical support structures, simplifying the overall system while enabling precise node connection through camera-based measurement and computer-generated control.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach to positioning one or more robotic arms in an assembly system may be described herein. For example, an apparatus may include a first robotic arm having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end may be configured for movement and the proximal end may secure the first robotic arm. The apparatus may further include a camera connected with the distal end of the first robotic arm. The camera may be configured to capture image data of a marker connected with a second robotic arm and provide the image data to a computer. The computer may generate a set of instructions for the first robotic arm based on the image data of the marker. The movement of the first robotic arm may be caused by the computer according to the generated set of instructions.