Fixtureless Vehicle Platform Assembly Using Vision and Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling modular vehicle platforms require rigid fixtures that are not adaptable for different sizes and shapes, leading to inefficiencies and the need for separate sets of fixtures for varying platforms.
Innovation Solution
A robotic assembly system with multidimensional imaging and force feedback control, which includes at least two robotic arms with end-effectors and force sensors, and a control system that uses a component location model to orient and assemble components without fixed alignment tools, allowing for dynamic assembly of various vehicle platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid fixtures are used to align and assemble components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid mechanical fixtures with a robotic assembly system that uses vision guidance and force feedback control. The robotic arms with integrated sensors and cameras eliminate the need for physical alignment tools while maintaining precise component positioning through software-controlled manipulation and real-time sensor feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static rigid fixtures to dynamic robotic arms that can adapt their position and orientation in real-time. The robotic system uses force feedback sensors to dynamically adjust assembly forces and vision systems to dynamically locate component positions, enabling precise assembly across different vehicle platform configurations.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple fixtures are employed to manufacture a single vehicle platform, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fixture functions into a single integrated robotic assembly system. The robotic arms combine positioning, alignment, and assembly capabilities that previously required separate fixtures, while the vision system and force feedback sensors integrate measurement and control functions that were distributed across multiple alignment tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic assembly system performs multiple functions that previously required different fixtures: positioning components, aligning assembly features, measuring component locations, and executing assembly operations. This universal system can handle various vehicle platform configurations with a single reconfigurable robotic cell rather than multiple dedicated fixture sets.
3Ease of operation
If rigid fixtures are used for alignment, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operation with rigid fixtures with automated robotic operation guided by vision systems. The robotic arms automatically locate components using vision feedback, calculate positioning based on measured features, and execute assembly operations with force feedback control, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust rigid fixtures for different platform configurations.
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 and adaptable assembly of vehicle platforms without rigid fixtures, improving precision and flexibility by using robotic arms and vision systems to locate and secure components based on force feedback and imaging data.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the at least two robotic arms includes an end-effector and a force sensor configured to provide force feedback
Implementation Method 2
The vision system includes one or more multidimensional imaging devices configured to capture images of one or more assembly frames
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assembling a vehicle platform includes a robotic assembly system having at least two robotic arms, a vision system capturing images of an assembly frame, and a control system configured to control the robotic assembly system to assemble the vehicle platform based on images from the vision system, force feedback from the at least two robotic arms, and a component location model. The control system is further configured to identify assembly features of a first component and a second component of the vehicle platform from the images, operate the robotic arms to orient the first component and the second component to respective nominal positions based on the images and the component location model, and operate the robotic arms to assemble the first component to the second component based on the force feedback.