Displaceable Signal Modules for Power Wrench Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location systems for determining the position of a power wrench in a three-dimensional space, such as those used in car body assembly, face challenges in communicating effectively with the power wrench when it is in difficult-to-reach positions within the car body, due to signal obstruction by car body parts or the operator, leading to unreliable signal delivery and positioning.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a combination of stationary signal communication modules and a movable signal communication module on the power wrench, where one or more of the stationary modules are displaceable between positions to maintain contact with the power wrench, even in obstructed areas, using a pivoting arm or other mechanisms to ensure reliable signal communication, and an evaluation unit calculates the power wrench's position based on received signal directions and distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stationary signal communicating modules are used to determine position, then position determination capability is improved, but signal communication reliability deteriorates when the power wrench is in difficult-to-reach positions due to obstruction by car body parts or operator
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between different signal communicating modules (stationary modules 15-17 and mobile module 20) based on the power wrench's current position and signal obstruction conditions. The evaluation unit 24 continuously monitors signal quality and switches the active communication module to maintain reliable communication, transforming a static system into a dynamic adaptive one.
Solution Approach 2:
A mobile signal communicating module 20 is introduced as an intermediary element that can be positioned in difficult-to-reach areas within the car body where stationary modules cannot provide reliable signals. This mobile module acts as a mediator to maintain communication when direct line-of-sight between the power wrench and stationary modules is blocked by car body parts or the operator.
2Reliability
If extra receivers are installed locally at the site of operation to maintain signal contact, then signal communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile signal communicating module 20 serves multiple functions: it acts as a signal transmitter, a position reference point, and a communication relay. This single multi-functional element replaces the need for multiple dedicated receivers distributed throughout the workspace, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the power wrench's own movement and position information to dynamically determine which signal communicating module should be active. The evaluation unit 24 automatically monitors the power wrench position and switches between modules without external intervention, allowing the system to self-adjust and maintain optimal communication based on real-time conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A location system for determining the position of a movable object (12) like a power wrench in a three dimensional space and comprising a number of stationary signal communication modules (15, 16 and 17) and a movable signal communication module (18) carried by the movable object (12), wherein the stationary signal communication modules (15, 16 and 17) are connected to an evaluation and calculation unit (24) which is arranged to determine the position of the movable object (12) in response to the signals delivered by the stationary signal communication modules (15, 16 and 17) and based on signals communicated between the movable signal communication module (18) and the stationary signal communication modules (15, 16 and 17). At least one (16) of the stationary signal communicating modules (15, 16 and 17) is displaceable between two or more positions (A, B) to enable signal communication contact with the movable signal communicating module (18) in normally screened off positions. 20