Automotive Lamp Rubber Pad Mounting With Vacuum Pick-and-Place

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual mounting of shockproof cushioning components on automotive lighting appliances is time-consuming, complex, and prone to errors due to the small size and adhesive nature of rubber pads, leading to increased handling complexity and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A semi-automatic or automatic system and method using a film unwinder, electronic control system, and gripping device to selectively and precisely mount shockproof components on the lamp body, reducing handling time and risk of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual mounting of rubber pads is used, then flexibility and simplicity of the system are maintained, but mounting time increases and precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an automated gripping device that selectively grips individual rubber pads from a support tape and positions them on the lamp body without human intervention. The electronic control system automatically controls the gripping and positioning operations, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation with an automated system comprising an electronic control system and a gripping device. The gripping device uses mechanical grippers controlled by electronic signals to automatically grasp, position, and release rubber pads, substituting human hands and eyes with automated mechanical and electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual handling of adhesive rubber pads is performed, then操作简单性 is maintained, but the risk of contaminating the adhesive layer increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive integrityVSAvoidhandling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The automated gripping device handles the rubber pads without human contact, allowing the system to perform the mounting operation autonomously. The electronic control system manages the entire process, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle the adhesive surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the rubber pads. Instead of human hands directly contacting the adhesive surfaces, the automated gripper serves as a mediator that transfers the rubber pads from the support tape to the lamp body without contaminating the adhesive layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If selective gripping of individual rubber pads is attempted manually, then precision placement is achieved, but handling time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement accuracyVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual selective gripping with an automated gripping device controlled by electronic signals. The device can rapidly and accurately position individual rubber pads on the lamp body without the time-consuming manual operations of separating and placing each pad.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system enables continuous mounting operations where the gripping device can rapidly sequence through multiple rubber pads, maintaining continuous productive action. The electronic control system coordinates the gripping, positioning, and release operations to minimize idle time between placements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system significantly reduces mounting time and minimizes the risk of damage to shockproof components during handling and post-mounting detachment, enhancing efficiency and precision.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum generator (24) connected to the gripping head (16a) and configured to create a vacuum so as to retain the shockproof component (2) on the gripping head (16a)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

shockproof cushioning components, which are structured so as to attenuate the mechanical stresses and vibrations transmitted by the body to the lamp body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration attenuation: Damping

Implementation Method 3

The rubber pad generally consists of a body of elastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4600027A1System and method for mounting cushioning shockproof components on an automotive lighting appliance
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 MARELLI AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING ITAL SPA
  • EP4600027A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4600027A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4600027A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A system for mounting shockproof cushioning components (2) on the lamp body (4) of an automotive lighting appliance. The system comprises a separating member, which is arranged in the pick-up station and is fitted with a separator plate (22), which is arranged in the pick-up station (14) and is shaped in such a way that it has an edge, for the sliding of said film (12), which is adjacent to the top pick-up wall and is structured to detach and separate the end row (F) of the shockproof components (2) from said film (12) when the end row (F), as the film moves forward, reaches the edge, so that the end row (F) is deposited on said top pick-up wall (21a).