Helix-Feed Strip Applicator for Precise Robotic Path Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing application apparatuses face challenges in applying strip material to a workpiece in one piece without manual intervention, while maintaining precision and minimizing spatial requirements, especially when using a robot arm, due to weight and geometry limitations.
Innovation Solution
An application apparatus with a base unit, application unit, and redirection unit, where the redirection unit is pivotably coupled to the base unit, allowing the strip to wrap around and change orientation independently, enabling precise application of strip material along paths with free geometry without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the entire strip material is provided directly at the application apparatus, then the quantity of strip material available for application increases, but the weight to be transported by the robot arm increases, reducing precision and increasing spatial requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the strip supply into two separate locations: a first strip supply located away from the application apparatus and a second strip supply at the application apparatus. The strip is divided into a first portion from the first supply and a second portion from the second supply, allowing the robot arm to handle only the application portion while the main strip material remains stationary at the remote supply location.
Solution Approach 2:
A pay-out unit is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the first strip supply and the application apparatus. This pay-out unit includes a pay-out roller that can be moved between a pay-out position (where the strip is fed from the first supply) and an application position (where the strip is applied to the workpiece). The pay-out unit acts as a buffer that decouples the heavy strip material storage from the precision application process.
2Extent of automation
If the application apparatus is moved by a robot arm, then automation increases, but the spatial requirements increase when transporting high weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the strip supply function from the application function by placing the first strip supply away from the application apparatus. This segmentation allows the robot arm to have a reduced workspace since it only needs to maneuver the application apparatus and pay-out unit, not the entire strip material storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The strip path is configured to extend in multiple directions and dimensions, with the strip running from the first strip supply, through the movable pay-out unit, to the application apparatus. This multi-dimensional strip routing allows the system to accommodate large quantities of strip material without increasing the horizontal workspace requirements of the robot arm.
3Weight of moving object
If a strip dispenser is placed on the floor and not moved with the application apparatus, then the weight at the application apparatus decreases, but the geometry of paths along which the strip can be applied is very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pay-out unit is designed to be movable between different positions - a pay-out position for receiving the strip from the first supply and an application position for applying the strip to the workpiece. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different workpiece locations and orientations, enabling complex path geometries that would be impossible with a fixed floor-mounted dispenser.
Solution Approach 2:
The pay-out unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a strip storage buffer, a strip feeding mechanism, and a positioning element. By integrating these functions into a single movable unit, the system achieves the versatility needed for complex application paths while keeping the weight at the application apparatus manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
An application apparatus that includes: a base unit comprising a first end, a second end, and a connection device that extends along a base unit axis from the first end to the second end; an application unit securely coupled to the second end, wherein the application unit is configured to apply a strip to a workpiece; and a redirection unit pivotably coupled to the base unit. The application unit comprises a first input guiding element configured to supply the strip to the application unit. The redirection unit is configured such that the strip can wrap around the redirection unit and be guided from an axial receiving position to an axial discharge position, wherein the axial receiving position is spaced apart from the axial discharge position in an axial direction of the axis. The first input guiding element of the application unit is spaced apart from the axial receiving position.