End Effector With Ultrasonic Rollers for Adhesive Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automating the deposition of adhesive between parts during assembly, such as in aircraft construction, is complicated by the need to maintain a proper gap between faying surfaces and control the adhesive's propagation to prevent unwanted deposition.
Innovation Solution
An end effector with movable nozzles and ultrasonic-sensor rollers that create and maintain separation between parts, allowing precise adhesive deposition while monitoring the adhesive's spread to prevent unwanted placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated deposition of adhesive is implemented, then productivity and cost efficiency are improved, but the complexity of maintaining proper gap between parts and controlling adhesive propagation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive deposition system is segmented into multiple nozzles (first nozzle, second nozzle) with separate outlet ports and separator plates. Each nozzle handles a specific portion of the adhesive deposition task, allowing independent control of adhesive flow and gap maintenance at different locations between the parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Separator plates are introduced as intermediary components between the nozzles and the faying surfaces. These separator plates actively maintain the required gap between parts while the adhesive is being deposited, and control the propagation of adhesive to prevent it from reaching unwanted areas.
2Manufacturing precision
If separator plates are used to maintain gap and control propagation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle and separator plate functions are merged into an integrated assembly. The separator plate extends from the nozzle body, combining the adhesive delivery function with the gap maintenance and propagation control function in a single integrated component rather than separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains the required gap between faying surfaces, controls the propagation of adhesive to prevent unwanted deposition, and provides structural support for the nozzle assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple nozzles with outlet ports are used for precise adhesive deposition, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive deposition task is divided into multiple segments handled by different nozzles. The first nozzle with its outlet port deposits adhesive at a first location, while the second nozzle with its outlet port deposits adhesive at a second location. This segmentation allows precise control of adhesive placement at multiple positions simultaneously.
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
Enables efficient, automated adhesive deposition between parts, ensuring proper bonding while minimizing adhesive usage and preventing unnecessary application.
Implementation Method 1
a first ultrasonic-sensor roller, coupled to the support, such that the first ultrasonic-sensor roller is translationally movable relative to the support. The first ultrasonic-sensor roller is rotatable relative to the support and is located between the first nozzle and the second nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector, for adhesively attaching a first part to a second part, comprises a support, a first nozzle, movable relative to the support, and a second nozzle, movable relative to the support. The first nozzle comprises a first-nozzle-body outlet port and a first-nozzle separator plate. The second nozzle comprises a second-nozzle-body outlet port and a second-nozzle separator plate. The end effector additionally comprises a first ultrasonic-sensor roller that is rotatable relative to the support and located between the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The end effector also comprises a second ultrasonic-sensor roller that is rotatable relative to the support and located between the first ultrasonic-sensor roller and the second nozzle.