Flange-Tightening Robot With Self-Alignment for Bolt Stretching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robots are unable to automatically align tools for precise bolt stretching and nut tightening in curved flange connections, making manual processes risky, time-consuming, and difficult to automate, especially in large-scale bolt connections like those found in wind turbines and oil platforms.
Innovation Solution
A robot with a tool that screws a tension nut onto the bolt, elongates the bolt, and tightens the nut with a predefined torque, featuring positioning means to align the tension nut axis with the bolt axis, and a movable mounting platform with connection means that allow precise alignment and controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual tightening method is used, then high quality and precision can be achieved, but the process is very time-consuming and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system performs self-positioning and self-alignment through the interaction between the rounded element and the bolt head, automatically achieving the precise alignment needed for bolt stretching without requiring manual intervention or complex external positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical tightening process with an automated robot system that uses a specialized tool to perform bolt stretching and nut tightening, substituting human operators with an automated mechanical system capable of precise controlled movements
2Productivity
If automated tightening is attempted without precise alignment, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is built into the tool-bolt interaction itself, where the rounded element naturally guides the tool into correct alignment with the bolt head through geometric constraints, eliminating the need for separate alignment mechanisms or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a rounded element instead of a flat or angular positioning feature allows for smooth rotational movement and automatic alignment with the bolt head, enabling the tool to self-correct its orientation and achieve precise alignment through curved surface contact
3Manufacturing precision
If complex positioning mechanisms are added to achieve precise alignment, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the bolt head itself as the positioning reference, eliminating the need for separate positioning fixtures or complex alignment mechanisms. The rounded element interacts directly with the bolt head geometry to achieve automatic alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the alignment function from the overall positioning system and embeds it directly into the tool-bolt interaction mechanism, separating the alignment requirement from the robot's control system and placing it at the point of contact between tool and workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
Robot (1) to tighten a series of nuts (2) pre-screwed on bolts (3) arranged in a curved flange connection (4), which bolts (3) project from the nuts (2) pre-screwed in substantially a nut plane (13) by a projection length (15), which robot (1) comprises a drive to move the robot (1) along the curved flange connection (4) and a tool (10) to tighten the nuts (2) with a predefined torque both connected to a support platform (6), characterized in thatthe tool (10) is built to screw a tension nut (26) onto the bolt (3) to elongate the bolt (3) and to tighten the pre-screwed nut (2) with a predefined torque with a tightening wheel (35), which robot (1) comprises positioning means to substantially align the axis (28) of the tension nut (26) with the axis (14) of the bolt (3) by lowering the tool (10) onto the bolt (3) in order to screw the tension nut (26) onto the bolt (3).