Automated Joining Table With Splatter-Protected Grounding Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing welding tables lack automation and effective weld splatter protection, leading to manual orientation of parts and potential electrical shorts from splatter contact with welding equipment.
Innovation Solution
An automated assembly and joining table with moveable holders and unique configurations, such as zig-zag channels for grounding wires and inverted rack and pinion arrangements, to reduce or prevent weld splatter from reaching electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual orientation of parts is used at the weld table, then flexibility in part positioning is maintained, but labor intensity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a robotic manipulator system that dynamically positions and reorients parts on the welding table. The robot can automatically pick up parts, reorient them to correct orientations, and place them in designated locations, transforming the static manual positioning process into a dynamic automated system that maintains flexibility while eliminating manual labor
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the robotic manipulator independently performs part positioning and reorientation tasks without human intervention. The robot autonomously navigates the work area, identifies parts, determines correct orientations, and executes positioning actions, allowing the welding process to proceed without manual orientation operations
2Device complexity
If traditional welding table configuration is used, then simplicity of structure is maintained, but weld splatter can contact electrical components causing shorts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective structure in the form of a splatter shield or barrier positioned between the welding area and electrical components. This intermediary element intercepts weld splatter before it can reach sensitive electrical components, preventing electrical shorts while maintaining the basic simplicity of the welding table structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses splatter protection by adding a spatial dimension to the table configuration - either by elevating electrical components to a higher plane above the welding zone or by creating vertical barriers that redirect splatter away from electrical components. This dimensional approach protects against splatter without fundamentally complicating the horizontal table structure
3Productivity
If automated robotic manipulation is implemented, then labor costs and production time are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal robotic manipulator system that can perform multiple functions - gripping various part types, reorienting components to different orientations, positioning parts in multiple locations, and potentially even performing welding operations. This multi-functional robot consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes programmable parameters and configurable settings that allow the robotic manipulator to adapt to different part types, orientations, and positioning requirements through software configuration rather than hardware changes. This parametric approach enables the same physical system to handle varied tasks, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining flexibility and productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and joining table, such as with weld splatter protection features, are disclosed along with systems and methods for operating the same in at least partially automated fashion. The table includes holders positioned about platform providing a work surface. Parts are placed within at least certain of the holders for joining to create an assembly. The holders include conductive surfaces and may include a sinuous recessed channels for wiring connecting the conductive surfaces to an electrical ground. A controller may operate motors of the table and command operations of robots for material handling and/or joining, such as based on data from a machine vision system viewing the table.