Robotic Gripper Gage Assembly for In-Process Workpiece Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for gaging cylindrical workpieces during production cycles are inefficient, as they often require halting machining operations, leading to increased production cycle times when in-process gaging is impractical or impossible.
Innovation Solution
A gage and gripper assembly integrated with a robotic arm allows for direct measurement of workpieces during transit between machine tool stations, using a combination of gripper jaws and gages that can measure dimensions while the workpiece is being moved, thereby reducing the impact on the overall production cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gaging is performed by removing the workpiece from the machine tool station and fixturing it in a gaging station, then measurement precision is improved, but production cycle time increases due to additional handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gaging function with the robotic end effector that performs workpiece handling. The gage is integrated into the same device that picks up and moves the workpiece, eliminating the need for separate gaging station handling steps. This merging of functions allows measurement to occur during the existing transfer operation, improving productivity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic end effector is designed to perform multiple functions: gripping the workpiece, moving it between stations, and measuring its dimensions. By making the end effector multi-functional, the system eliminates dedicated gaging equipment and operations, thereby reducing the production cycle time impact of gaging while preserving measurement precision through direct workpiece contact.
2Measurement precision
If gaging is performed while the workpiece is in the machine tool station by halting machining, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to production cycle time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gaging operation is performed preliminarily during the workpiece transfer phase, before the workpiece enters the machining process or immediately upon arrival at the machine tool station. By completing the measurement during the transition phase rather than interrupting machining, the system achieves accurate measurement without reducing productivity through machining interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous productive action by performing gaging during the workpiece transfer operation, which is already a necessary step in the production cycle. Instead of halting machining for gaging, the measurement is incorporated into the existing transfer timeline, ensuring that all operations proceed continuously without unnecessary interruptions to the overall production flow.
3Productivity
If gaging is performed during in-process operations, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised due to vibration and operational disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the production process into distinct phases: workpiece transfer/gaging phase and machining phase. By separating these operations temporally, the system performs accurate measurement during the transfer phase when the workpiece is stationary and stable, then proceeds to machining without measurement interference. This segmentation allows both high productivity and high precision to be achieved.
Data Source
AI summary
A gage and gripper assembly for directly measuring characteristics of a workpiece. The assembly is adapted to be attached to a transfer mechanism, such as a robot arm, and includes a head having a gripper and a gage. The gripper is adapted to lift and hold the workpiece using jaws or other mechanisms, and the gage is adapted to directly measure characteristics of the workpiece while the workpiece is held by the gripper.