Headlight Component Assembly with Rotation-Locked Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for automated assembly of motor vehicle headlight components, such as using gripper arms or suction cups, often damage delicate optical components due to excessive pressure or inadequate size.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a controllable gripper arm device with a first and second gripper arm, designed to interact with specific contact and holding sections on the components, allowing for secure assembly without rotation and minimizing pressure, using recesses or bulges on the contact sections to hold the components securely without direct contact with the gripper arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional gripper arms are used to hold optical components, then automated assembly can be achieved, but the minimum pressure force required leads to damage to the optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces receiving elements with contact sections as intermediaries between the gripper arms and the optical component. These contact sections act as mediators that distribute the gripping force across a larger area, preventing direct concentrated pressure on the delicate optical surfaces while enabling automated handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the gripping interface by designing contact sections with specific geometric features (recesses or bulges) that alter the pressure distribution. This parameter change allows the same gripper arm to handle components without damage by modifying how force is applied.
2Force
If suction cup devices are used for picking up components, then holding force can be reduced, but component components are generally too small or too delicate for the use of a suction cup device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gripping function into multiple contact sections distributed on different sides of the component. This segmentation allows the gripper to securely hold small components through multiple distributed contact points rather than relying on a single suction cup, improving adaptability to small and delicate parts.
3Reliability
If the gripper arm applies sufficient pressure to securely hold the component, then the component can be picked up reliably, but the optical component is damaged due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The contact sections serve as intermediaries that enable reliable gripping while protecting the optical component. By positioning these contact sections on specific areas (away from optically effective regions), the system achieves reliable component pickup without transmitting damaging forces to the optical surfaces.
4Device complexity
If the gripper arm contacts the component directly, then simple gripping can be achieved, but the area at which the component is assembled remains compromised by gripping interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gripping function from the assembly area by positioning contact sections and receiving elements on specific regions that are separate from the optically effective regions. This separation allows simple gripper design while preserving the integrity of the assembly area, as the gripper interacts only with dedicated contact zones.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for the automated assembly of a component (1) for a motor vehicle headlight, the method comprising the following chronological steps: providing a first component (1a) and a second component (1b), wherein the first component (1a) has a first receiving element (4a) with a first contact section (6a) and a second receiving element (4b) with a second contact section (6b); providing an assembly device with a gripping arm device (7) comprising a first gripping arm (7a) with a first holding section (8a) and a second gripping arm (7b) with a second holding section (8b); gripping the first component (1a) with the gripping arm device (7) such that the first component (1a) is held and secured against rotation; positioning the gripped first component (1a) on the second component (1b).Assembling the first component (1a) onto the second component (1b) to form component (1).