Automated Fixing Element Positioning Using Camera Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing vehicle body components lack precision and simplicity in connecting components, particularly in large-scale production, where the precision of interlocking elements significantly affects the joining quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving forming a metal plate in a deep-drawing die, creating a reference marking, and using a positioning device with a camera system to accurately place a fixing element, which is then welded onto the plate, enabling precise and automated connection of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manual positioning and connection methods are used for vehicle body components, then the process is simpler in terms of equipment, but the joining precision and manufacturing efficiency are insufficient for large-scale production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated system comprising a camera for detecting reference marking positions, a computer for processing position data, and an electronically controlled positioning device for placing fixing elements. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with automated opto-electronic systems directly resolves the contradiction by achieving high joining precision through automated detection and positioning while managing device complexity through integrated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to create an optical copy (image) of the reference marking on the metal plate. This optical copy is then processed by a computer to determine the precise position for placing the fixing element. By working with a copied representation rather than directly manipulating the physical component during positioning, the system achieves high precision while streamlining the positioning process.
2Productivity
If automated positioning devices with camera systems are implemented, then joining precision and productivity improve, but the device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning and connection operations with an automated system that uses camera-based detection, computer processing, and electronically controlled positioning. This substitution eliminates manual labor in the positioning process, significantly improving productivity and enabling large-scale production while the integrated control system manages the complexity of the automated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning through automated detection of the reference marking by the camera, automatic processing of position data by the computer, and automatic placement of the fixing element by the electronically controlled positioning device. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while the automation handles the complexity internally.
3Reliability
If precision interlocking elements are used for component connection, then joining quality improves, but the manufacturing complexity and time for precise placement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a reference marking during the forming process of the metal plate in the deep-drawing die. This preliminary action of creating the reference marking during forming eliminates the need for separate measurement and positioning preparation steps, thereby reducing positioning time while ensuring reliable connection through precise automated detection and placement of the fixing element based on the pre-established reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual measurement and positioning with automated camera-based detection and computer-controlled positioning. The electronically controlled positioning device rapidly and accurately places the fixing element based on digital position data, significantly reducing positioning time compared to manual methods while maintaining high connection reliability through precise automated control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for highly precise and simple connections of vehicle body components, automating the process and ensuring accurate placement of fixing elements, thereby improving the joining precision and efficiency in large-scale production.
Implementation Method 1
The position of the reference marking is identified by a position recognition device, particularly via a camera system
Implementation Method 2
The first fixing element is connected with the formed metal plate, particularly by welding the first fixing element to the formed metal plate, by a welding device
Data Source
AI summary
A method produces a component, particularly a body component for a vehicle, or a component composite consisting of several components. The steps include forming a metal plate in a forming tool, particularly in a deep-drawing die, producing a reference marking at a predefined location of the metal plate, rough positioning of the formed metal plate by a positioning device such that the reference marking is situated in a predefined space area, identifying the reference marking of a position recognition device, such as a camera system, the position recognition device generating position data corresponding to the position of the reference marking, positioning of a first fixing element at the location of the reference marking based on the position data by an electronically controlled positioning device, and connecting the first fixing element with the formed metal plate, particularly by welding.