Linear Beam Robot Transfer for Space-Efficient Dual Work Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems, such as gantry robots, are not space-efficient and face challenges in control and programming when moving between work areas, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A robot system with a support unit and an elongated beam that linearly moves between two work areas, allowing a robot to operate in both areas through linear movements along the X-axis, Z-axis, and Y-axis, facilitated by separate drive units for each movement, ensuring easy software integration and increased safety by keeping the coordinate system consistent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gantry robot structure is used to enable movement between work areas, then the robot can work in different areas, but the system becomes less space-efficient and more complex to control
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is segmented into a stationary base unit and a movable robot unit that can independently travel between work areas. This segmentation allows the robot to move between areas without requiring complex gantry structures, simplifying the overall control system while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system transitions from a static gantry structure to a dynamic configuration where the robot unit itself becomes movable. The robot can dynamically reposition between work areas using its own drive mechanisms, reducing the need for complex overhead travel systems and simplifying control architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot rotates to switch between work areas, then the robot can access different areas, but the coordinate system changes making software implementation challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the robot to change work areas (which changes the coordinate system), the system inverts the approach by translating the robot linearly between areas while maintaining a consistent coordinate system orientation. This inversion simplifies software implementation as the coordinate framework remains stable.
3Device complexity
If a stationary robot configuration is used, then the system is simpler to control, but the robot experiences down time when work areas are being prepared
Solution Approach 1:
While the robot is working in one area, the other work area can be prepared in advance. The robot's ability to move between areas allows parallel operations where preparation activities occur during robot operation, eliminating idle time and improving overall productivity without complicating the control system.
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a robot system (1) for carrying out work in two different work areas (A, B). The robot system comprising a support unit (10) positioned between the two work areas, an elongated beam (20) arranged on the support unit such that the elongated beam is allowed to linearly move between a first position, where a first end portion (22) thereof extends out over a first work area, and a second position where a second end portion (24) thereof extends out over a second work area. The robot system further comprises a robot (30), a suspension unit (40) configured to hold the robot and arranged on the elongated beam such that the suspension unit is allowed to move along the elongated beam, and a drive arrangement (50) configured to individually move the elongated beam and the suspension unit, thereby allowing the robot to selectively operate in each of the two work areas.