Flexible Robot End-Effector for Multi-Style Door Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic systems require multiple end-effectors to handle different styles of door assemblies, leading to increased time and cost in manufacturing various vehicle models, as they lack the flexibility to adapt to diverse door configurations.

Innovation Solution

A flexible end-effector with a frame, clamp assemblies, pneumatic actuators, and linear motion slides, actuated by a servomotor assembly, allowing for adjustable positioning and clamping along multiple axes to accommodate various door styles with a single end-effector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple end-effectors are used to handle different door styles, then the robotic system can accommodate various door configurations, but the manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle different door stylesVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The end-effector is designed with multiple clamp assemblies (first, second, third clamp assemblies) that can be positioned at different locations along the robotic arm. Each clamp assembly can independently clamp different portions of various door styles, allowing a single end-effector to handle multiple door configurations instead of requiring separate end-effectors for each door type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assemblies are made movable relative to the frame through linear motion slides, allowing dynamic repositioning of the clamps along the length of the door assembly. This adjustability enables the same end-effector to adapt to different door styles and sizes by changing the position of the clamp assemblies rather than being fixed in a single configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple end-effectors are used to handle different door styles, then the robotic system can accommodate various door configurations, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle different door stylesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The end-effector is designed with multiple clamp assemblies (first, second, third clamp assemblies) that can be positioned at different locations along the robotic arm. Each clamp assembly can independently clamp different portions of various door styles, allowing a single end-effector to handle multiple door configurations instead of requiring separate end-effectors for each door type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple clamp assemblies that would traditionally require separate end-effectors are merged into a single integrated end-effector unit. The clamp assemblies share a common frame and control system, reducing the overall number of components, simplifying the system architecture, and lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to handle different door styles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If a single end-effector is designed to handle multiple door styles, then manufacturing time and cost are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidend-effector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end-effector is segmented into multiple independent clamp assemblies, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows each clamp to be controlled separately by individual pneumatic actuators, enabling complex door handling tasks to be broken down into simpler, independently controlled actions that reduce overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manual or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms traditionally required for reconfiguring end-effectors are replaced with pneumatic actuators that can quickly and easily adjust the position and configuration of clamp assemblies. This substitution of pneumatic control for complex mechanical systems reduces the overall mechanical complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10105853B1Flexible robot end-effector for assembling door closure
Publication Date: 2018.10.23 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US10105853B1 patent drawing
  • US10105853B1 patent drawing
  • US10105853B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A flexible end-effector for a robot includes a frame and a clamp assembly movably coupled to the frame. As such, the clamp assembly is movable relative to the frame along a first direction, wherein the clamp assembly includes a locator and a clamp movably coupled to the locator. The clamp assembly also includes pneumatic actuator coupled to the clamp to move the clamp between an open position and a closed position. The flexible end-effector further includes linear motion slides coupled between the clamp assembly and the frame to allow the clamp assembly to move linearly relative to the frame along the first direction. Further, the flexible end-effector includes a servomotor assembly coupled to the linear motion slide to actuate the linear motion slide. The servomotor assembly includes a servomotor and a motor controller integrated with the servomotor.