Self-Propelled Part Installation Machine Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle assembly line part installation systems face challenges in achieving accurate synchronization while minimizing the load on the transfer system, with mechanically-synchronized methods requiring increased system strength due to heavy loads and electrically-synchronized methods offering less accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled part installation machine with a drive carriage section and a part mounting carriage section, equipped with a separation/coupling device and an engagement device, uses relative position detection to maintain synchronization with the transfer system, reducing the load on the transfer system while ensuring accuracy by controlling the traveling speed and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanically-synchronized technique is used with mechanical engagement, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but load on the transfer system increases and system size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The part installation machine is divided into two separate sections: a drive carriage section that provides propulsion and a part mounting carriage section that engages with the transfer system. This segmentation allows the heavy drive system to be separated from the transfer system, eliminating the load issue while maintaining synchronization capability through independent control of each section.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical coupling system with an electrical control system. A control device coordinates the drive carriage and part mounting carriage independently, using sensors to detect relative position and adjust speed accordingly. This substitution eliminates mechanical engagement forces while maintaining synchronization accuracy through electronic control.
2Force
If electrically-synchronized technique is used, then load on the transfer system is reduced, but synchronization accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that continuously detect the relative position between the drive carriage and part mounting carriage. This feedback information is fed to the control device, which adjusts the speed of the drive carriage in real-time to maintain accurate synchronization with the transfer system, achieving high precision without mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive carriage speed is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The control device continuously modifies the drive carriage speed based on real-time position feedback, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions and maintain synchronization accuracy without imposing constant mechanical load on the transfer system.
Data Source
AI summary
A part installation machine, when having entered a part installation work area, operates a separation/coupling device to bring a drive carriage section and a part mounting carriage section from a coupled state into a separated state. The part installation machine also operates an engagement device such that the part mounting carriage section is engaged with a transfer system and transported by the transfer system. In this state, the part installation machine controls a travelling speed of the drive carriage section such that a relative position detected by a relative position detection device is maintained within a predetermined range.