Dual-Arm Substrate Assembly With Integrated Thread Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic thread-fastening devices are inadequate for improving productivity in substrate assembly processes at manufacturing sites of electronic equipment, as they lack efficiency in accurately performing complex tasks required for joining substrates with threaded fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A dual-arm robot system with end effectors capable of gripping and positioning substrates, holding threaded elements, and fastening them together, eliminating the need for external devices to feed threaded elements and allowing for precise assembly with integrated suction-type drivers for efficient thread fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional automatic thread-fastening device is used for substrate assembly, then thread fastening can be automated, but the device lacks the capability to accurately perform complex assembly tasks requiring coordination of multiple operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple end effectors (first end effector for thread fastening, second end effector for substrate positioning) into a single integrated robot system. This merging allows the system to perform complex assembly tasks that require coordination of multiple operations, while maintaining automation capability for thread fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system is designed with universal end effectors that can perform multiple functions: the first end effector can hold and fasten threaded elements, while the second end effector can grip and position substrates. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to various assembly tasks beyond simple thread fastening.
2Productivity
If a dual-arm robot system with integrated end effectors is used, then productivity and precision are significantly improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a first end effector for thread fastening operations and a second end effector for substrate positioning. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while working together in a coordinated manner, improving overall productivity despite the increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates the operations of the first and second arms. By centralizing control, the system manages the complexity of dual-arm coordination, enabling precise and productive assembly operations without requiring complex mechanical interconnections between the arms.
3Extent of automation
If external devices are used to feed threaded elements, then the assembly process can be automated, but the need for additional external equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first end effector is designed to hold and fasten threaded elements directly, eliminating the need for separate external feeding devices. The end effector serves itself by integrating the threaded element storage and fastening functions into a single component, thereby automating the process while reducing overall system complexity.
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 dual-arm robot system significantly enhances productivity in substrate assembly by accurately positioning and fastening substrates with threaded elements, reducing the need for external feeding mechanisms and improving efficiency through precise control and suction-type drivers.
Implementation Method 1
a first end effector detachably attached to a tip end of the first arm, and configured to hold and fasten a threaded element
Data Source
AI summary
A substrate assembling device includes a first end effector attached to a first arm, a second end effector attached to a second arm, and a controller. The second end effector includes a pair of grippers configured to grip a second substrate, and a placing part where threaded elements are placed. The controller is adapted to control operations of the first arm and the second arm to position the second substrate on a first substrate while gripping the second substrate, by using the pair of grippers of the second end effector, and hold the threaded element placed on the placing part of the second end effector and fasten the held threaded element, by using the first end effector, to join the first substrate and the second substrate together.