Cassette Clip Feeding for Multi-Robot Automotive Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated systems for applying wiring harness retaining clips in automotive assembly are costly and space-intensive due to the need for complex and expensive sorting equipment for each robot, which increases maintenance time and costs.
Innovation Solution
An automated clip application system using a cassette-based feed system that preloads clips in a fixed orientation, allowing multiple robots to be fed from a single sorting unit, with a grabbing member and robotic member to pick and fasten clips efficiently, reducing equipment complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each robot is equipped with a dedicated sorting system, then clips can be fed in consistent orientation, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single sorting system serves multiple robots simultaneously, making the sorting equipment universal rather than dedicated to each robot. The sorting system feeds clips to multiple robotic members through a shared dispensing mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable clip orientation for all robots
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sorting functions are merged into a single sorting system that serves all robots. Instead of having separate sorting mechanisms for each robot, the invention combines these functions into one centralized sorting unit that supplies clips to multiple robotic members through a common dispensing opening
2Reliability
If each robot has dedicated sorting equipment, then clips are sorted correctly, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system is designed as a universal unit that can serve multiple robots within a compact footprint. By making the sorting equipment multi-functional, the space required per robot is dramatically reduced, as one sorting system replaces what would otherwise be multiple separate sorting stations
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting functions for multiple robots are merged into a single spatial location. The sorting system, dispensing mechanism, and multiple cassette positions are combined in one integrated unit, reducing the total equipment space while maintaining proper clip orientation for all robotic members
3Reliability
If complex sorting equipment is used for each robot, then clips are fed reliably, but maintenance time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal sorting system requires only one set of sorting components to be maintained, regardless of how many robots are served. This reduces maintenance time and costs compared to having separate sorting equipment for each robot, while still providing reliable clip feeding to all robotic members
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the sorting functions into a single system, the maintenance burden is consolidated. One sorting mechanism serves all robots, meaning repairs and maintenance need only be performed on one set of components rather than multiple identical systems, reducing overall maintenance time and costs
4Device complexity
If a cassette-based feed system is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but clip manipulation capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
Clips are pre-sorted and pre-oriented in the correct configuration before being loaded into the cassette. This preliminary sorting action ensures that when clips are dispensed from the simple cassette-based system, they are already in the required orientation for robotic application, eliminating the need for complex real-time manipulation while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette acts as an intermediary between the sorting system and the robotic members. Clips are sorted once, stored in the cassette in the correct orientation, and then dispensed as needed. This intermediary role allows a simple cassette mechanism to deliver clips with proper orientation without requiring complex manipulation at the point of use
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
The system reduces costs and space requirements while increasing operational speed by enabling reliable, consistent feeding of clips to multiple robots, allowing for efficient clip application and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The grabbing member may include a pair of spring loaded jaws which are biased towards each other into as closed position
Implementation Method 2
The, or each, cassette is preferably mounted on the cassette receiving section at an inclination such that an outlet end of each cassette is lowermost to effect gravity feeding of clips out of the cassette
Data Source
AI summary
An automated clip application system for fitting clips in an automotive assembly line includes a cassette receiving station for receiving at least one cassette preloaded with a plurality of clips. The clips in the cassette are arranged in the same orientation. A dispensing opening dispenses clips from the cassette one at a time, and a robotic member is programmed to pick up the clips, one at a time, after they have been dispensed from the dispensing opening and fasten each clip in position in an automotive assembly.