Dual-Arm Robot Positioning for Production Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional production systems using two horizontal multi-joint robots face inefficiencies in workpiece transportation and assembly due to limited arm configurations and inaccurate positioning, leading to increased operational time and reduced precision.

Innovation Solution

A production system incorporating a dual-arm robot and a second robot, where the dual-arm robot is positioned at the transportation access of a workpiece stocker, utilizing a combination of turnable torso sections, swingable and twisting arm mechanisms, and contact sensors to accurately pick up, transport, and place workpieces, while the second robot assembles components, optimizing the working area and reducing space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two horizontal multi-joint robots are used for workpiece transportation and assembly, then the system can perform basic robotic operations, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient and operational time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidoperational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the robotic function into two specialized units: a dual-arm robot for high-precision positioning and transportation, and a second robot for assembly operations. This segmentation allows each robot to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall positioning accuracy and reducing operational time compared to using two general-purpose horizontal multi-joint robots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-arm robot configuration enables three-dimensional workpiece handling with superior positioning capability compared to conventional horizontal multi-joint robots. The vertical arrangement of arms and the ability to operate in multiple spatial dimensions allows for more precise and faster workpiece transportation and assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If conventional horizontal multi-joint robots are used, then the system structure is relatively simple, but the workpiece transportation and assembly efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidrobot configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the transportation function into the dual-arm robot's primary operation, eliminating the need for separate transportation mechanisms. The dual-arm robot simultaneously performs workpiece pickup, transportation, and positioning, while the second robot handles assembly, creating an integrated high-efficiency system that outweighs the increased structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic coordination between the dual-arm robot and the second robot, where the dual-arm robot's arms can independently and simultaneously perform different operations. This dynamic operation mode allows for optimized workflow and improved assembly efficiency despite the more complex robot configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the dual-arm robot is positioned at the transportation access portion of the workpiece stocker, then workpiece transportation precision is improved, but the space arrangement becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece placement precisionVSAvoidworking area space
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from horizontal space utilization to vertical space utilization by positioning the dual-arm robot at the transportation access portion of the workpiece stocker. This vertical arrangement allows for precise workpiece placement while maintaining compact footprint, effectively resolving the conflict between precision and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The second robot is positioned to face the forward portion of the dual-arm robot's torso, creating a nested or overlapping workspace arrangement. This nesting allows both robots to operate in close proximity without interfering with each other, maximizing space utilization while maintaining high placement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8840097B2Production system
Publication Date: 2014.09.23 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • US8840097B2 patent drawing
  • US8840097B2 patent drawing
  • US8840097B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A production system includes a workpiece stocker, a dual-arm robot, and a second robot. A workpiece is to be placed on the workpiece. The dual-arm robot is arranged at a transportation access portion of the workpiece stocker. The second robot is arranged to face a forward portion of a torso of the dual-arm robot.