Robot End Effector Qualification Using Stored Identification Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing qualification and configuration processes for robot-end effector pairs are lengthy and resource-intensive, leading to significant downtime and inefficiencies in production, as they require extensive calibration and requalification, especially when switching between different types of end effectors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a modular processing system where the end effector stores identification data specific to its characteristics, allowing for quick and efficient qualification by the robot, thereby reducing the need for extensive calibration and enabling rapid retooling and maintenance without disrupting production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a complex qualification process is performed to ensure accurate robot-end effector pairing, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector undergoes pre-qualification and characterization before being attached to the robot. Compensation factors, calibration data, and operational parameters are determined in advance and stored in the end effector's memory. When the end effector is attached to the robot, the robot reads this pre-stored data and applies the compensation factors immediately, bypassing the need for time-consuming on-site qualification processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If extensive calibration is performed to accommodate variations in end effector characteristics, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and resource consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector carries its own identification data, compensation factors, and calibration information in embedded memory. When attached to the robot, the system automatically reads this data and configures itself without requiring external calibration equipment or complex manual procedures. The end effector essentially qualifies itself by providing its pre-stored characterization data to the robot controller.
3Reliability
If the robot and end effector are compensated and qualified as a single entity, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when replacing end effectors
Solution Approach 1:
The qualification process is segmented into two independent parts: robot qualification and end effector qualification. The robot is qualified once and its compensation factors are stored in the robot controller. Each end effector is separately qualified and its compensation factors are stored in the end effector's memory. When an end effector is attached to the robot, the robot reads the end effector's data and combines it with the robot's stored data, allowing reliable operation without re-qualifying the entire system.
4Manufacturing precision
If the production line is stopped for robot reconfiguration, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
All necessary calibration and qualification data are determined and stored in the end effector before it is attached to the production line. The end effector arrives pre-characterized with its compensation factors and operational parameters already established. When the end effector is swapped onto the robot, the robot simply reads the pre-stored data and begins operation immediately, eliminating the need to stop production for calibration activities.
Data Source
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AI summary
Technology identifies that an end effector is provisioned to a robot. The technology accesses identification data of the end effector. The identification data is specific to the end effector. The identification data includes one or more of at least one setting associated with the end effector or at least one parameter associated with the end effector. The technology controls the end effector based on the identification data to adjust one or more runtime parameters of the robot based on the identification data. (Fig. 1)