Robot-Guided Gripper Support for Precise Workpiece Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning and clamping technologies in manufacturing, particularly in vehicle assembly, face challenges in achieving precise geometric positioning and mechanical stability while allowing for lightweight and flexible gripping tools, which are essential for efficient handling and processing of workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, robot-guided gripping tool with an adjustable support device that provides precise positioning and stabilization of workpieces using multiple contact points and adjustable axes, allowing for high positional accuracy and mechanical stability, while also being lightweight and deformable, thus reducing payload and enabling efficient conveyor technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a mobile and robot-guided gripping tool is used to hold and position workpieces, then the gripping tool can be designed to be lightweight and deformable, but the positioning precision and mechanical stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: a mobile lightweight gripping tool for workpiece handling and a stationary support device for precision positioning. The gripping tool (designed to be deformable and lightweight) transfers the workpiece to the stationary support device, which then provides the precise positioning and mechanical stability needed for processing. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary support device acts as an intermediary between the lightweight gripping tool and the workpiece processing operations. The gripping tool places the workpiece on the support device, which then provides the necessary positioning precision and stability. This intermediary structure enables the gripping tool to remain lightweight while still achieving precise workpiece positioning through the support device.
2Weight of moving object
If the gripping tool is designed to be lightweight and deformable, then the handling robot payload is reduced, but the mechanical stability and rigidity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the mobile gripping function from the stationary support function. The gripping tool is optimized to be lightweight for robot handling, while the stationary support device provides the necessary stability and rigidity. This segmentation allows the gripping tool to be lightweight without compromising overall system stability, as the stationary support device assumes the stability function.
3Manufacturing precision
If a stationary clamping device is used to position workpieces with high precision, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the accessibility and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with adjustable and movable components that can dynamically change position and configuration. The receptacles can be adjusted to different positions, and the support device can be moved out of the way when not in use, providing accessibility to the workpiece while maintaining precision positioning capabilities when needed.
4Manufacturing precision
If the support device is always in the operating position to provide stabilization, then the positioning precision is improved, but the accessibility to the workpiece and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates movable components that can dynamically transition between operating and retracted positions. This dynamic capability allows the device to provide precision support when needed while minimizing interference and reducing effective complexity during other operations, as the support elements can be positioned only when required.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a positioning and clamping system (5) for a workpiece (3) which is to be machined and which is arranged on a mobile load receiving means (21) at a work station (25). The positioning and clamping system (5) has a mobile and robot-guided gripper tool (7) for the workpiece (3), in particular a geo-gripper tool for clamping the workpiece (3) in a positionally-defined manner. The positioning and clamping system (5) comprises a stationary, movable support device (13) which stabilizes and positions the gripper tool (7), in particular the geo-gripper tool (7), together with the gripped, in particular clamped, workpiece (3) at the workstation (25) in a fixed supported manner in order to machine the workpiece.