Fixture Power Supply via Robot and Workstation Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing processes are hindered by the lack of continuous power to fixtures, leading to increased cycle times and costs due to the need for robotic equipment to provide and withdraw power, which restricts access and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system with a fixture that can receive power from both a robot and a workstation, using mounts like ATI-type quick connect devices, and a control device to selectively provide power and utilities, ensuring continuous operation regardless of the fixture's mounting configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If robotic equipment provides power to the fixture by docking, then power can be supplied to the fixture, but access to the fixture is restricted and cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power sources: the robotic equipment and the workstation. Each can independently supply power to the fixture through separate docking interfaces, eliminating the need for the robot to remain docked continuously and allowing power to be maintained during robot undocking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The workstation acts as an intermediary power source that can supply power to the fixture independently of the robotic equipment. This intermediary system allows the fixture to maintain power supply even when the robot undocks, resolving the conflict between power supply and access requirements.
2Ease of operation
If robotic equipment docks to provide power, then power is available to operate power-driven devices, but manufacturing cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation is pre-configured with power supply capability and docking interface before the robotic equipment arrives. This preliminary setup ensures that power can be supplied to the fixture without requiring the robot to remain docked, allowing the robot to undock and perform operations while power-driven devices continue to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The workstation is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a control system and as an independent power source for the fixture. This universal design eliminates the need for the robotic equipment to provide power, allowing the robot to focus solely on manufacturing operations without being constrained by power supply requirements.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the robot remains docked to provide power, then continuous power is available, but access to the workstation area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is segmented from the robotic equipment and assigned to the workstation. This segmentation allows the robot to undock and move freely while the workstation continues to supply power to the fixture through its own docking interface, maintaining continuous power supply without restricting access.
Solution Approach 2:
The workstation is designed to self-provide power to the fixture without requiring the robotic equipment. This self-service capability allows the fixture to maintain continuous power supply independently, enabling free access to the workstation area while the robot performs its manufacturing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and apparatus for providing continuous power and utilities to a fixture in a manufacturing process. In one embodiment of the invention, a system with robot, such as a robotic arm, and a workstation can be deployed in a manufacturing process. A fixture associated with the manufacturing process can include a mount operable for receiving power from the robot or robot arm, and another mount operable for receiving power from the workstation. An associated control device, such as a programmable logic circuit, can selectively provide power via either mount depending on whether the fixture is mounted to the robot or robotic arm, or to the workstation.