Collar Fastening Tool Vacuum Loading Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
In manufacturing settings, it is challenging to efficiently deliver additional collars to a collar fastening tool, especially when the tool is inserted within a tightly confined space or structure, as existing robotic assemblies often require returning the entire end effector to a home position for reloading.
Innovation Solution
A compact robotic end effector with a collar fastening tool and a collar loading assembly, featuring a loading arm and a holding member with an arcuate side wall and vacuum opening, which receives and holds collars with a retaining force provided by vacuum, allowing for remote storage and direct delivery to the fastening tool without requiring the end effector to return to a home position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the collar fastening tool is inserted within a tightly confined space, then the accessibility and size constraints are improved, but the ability to deliver additional collars to the fastening tool deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collar loading assembly is divided into separate functional components: a loading arm that can rotate independently, a holding member with vacuum opening for collar retention, and a collar capture receptacle. This segmentation allows the loading mechanism to be compact yet functional, enabling collar delivery in confined spaces without requiring the entire end effector to return to a home position.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading arm is configured to rotate into a plurality of positions, transitioning between a loading position where the holding member receives collars and an unloading position where collars are delivered to the fastening tool. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to maintain compact size while providing full collar delivery functionality in confined spaces.
2Ease of operation
If the entire end effector returns to a home position for reloading, then the collar reloading is simplified, but the productivity and operation time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member with vacuum opening is positioned to receive collars in advance at the loading position before the fastening operation begins. This preliminary loading allows collars to be ready for immediate delivery to the fastening tool, eliminating the need to return the entire end effector to a home position for reloading and thereby maintaining continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar loading and holding function is extracted from the main end effector body and implemented as a separate collar loading assembly with independent loading arm and holding member. This extraction allows the loading operation to occur independently without requiring the main end effector to retract or return to a home position, thus maintaining productivity while simplifying the reloading process.
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 solution enables timely and efficient collar installation by allowing collars to be provided to the fastening tool without the need for the end effector to return to a home position, enhancing accessibility and reducing size constraints in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The holding member is configured to selectively hold the collar against the arcuate side wall with a retaining force provided by a vacuum applied via the vacuum opening
Data Source
AI summary
A collar fastening system that includes a collar fastening tool, and a collar loading assembly coupled to the collar fastening tool. The collar loading assembly includes a loading arm that rotates into multiple positions and a holding member coupled to the loading arm. The loading arm positions the holding member between a loading position and an unloading position. The holding member includes an arcuate side wall and a vacuum opening defined in the arcuate side wall. The holding member receives a collar when at the loading position, and selectively holds the collar against the arcuate side wall with a retaining force provided by a vacuum applied via the vacuum opening. The loading arm provides the collar to the collar fastening tool when at the unloading position.