Manufacturing Tool With Integrated Robot Arm for Faster Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing tools, such as welding guns, require significant effort for tool changes and programming adjustments due to the lack of integrated multi-axis robot arms, leading to inefficiencies in automation and process optimization.
Innovation Solution
Attaching a multi-axis robot arm, preferably a six-axis robot arm, to the manufacturing tool, allowing for minimal effort in tool changes and synchronized movement programming, with integrated control units for seamless operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a multi-axis robot arm is attached to the manufacturing tool, then automation and operational efficiency are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a multi-axis robot arm directly with the manufacturing tool (welding gun) to create an integrated system. The robot arm is mounted on the tool housing, allowing it to move components into position while the welding gun performs joining operations. This merging of functions enhances automation by enabling the robot arm to assist with component positioning and holding during welding operations, while the integrated design ensures that both components operate as a coordinated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing tool is designed with multi-functionality by integrating a robot arm that can perform multiple tasks. The robot arm can position components, hold components during welding, and potentially perform other auxiliary functions. This universal approach allows a single integrated system to handle both positioning and welding operations, reducing the need for separate devices and improving overall automation capability.
2Loss of time
If a multi-axis robot arm is integrated with the manufacturing tool, then tool change effort is minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm and manufacturing tool are merged into a single integrated assembly that moves together as one unit. The robot arm is mounted on the tool housing in such a way that both components are transferred simultaneously during tool changes. This eliminates the need for separate positioning and calibration procedures that would be required if the robot arm were a separate device, thereby minimizing tool change effort while maintaining positioning precision through the integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a six-axis robot arm is attached to the welding gun, then freedom of movement and reach are optimized, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The welding gun system is enhanced with a six-axis robot arm that provides universal positioning capability. The robot arm can reach substantially any location within its range of action and can position components in any orientation required for welding operations. This multi-functional capability allows the same robot arm to handle various component types and welding positions, optimizing freedom of movement while the integrated design manages the complexity through coordinated control of both the robot arm and welding gun.
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing tool has a mounting element for mounting to a positioning device. A multi-axis robot arm is attached to the manufacturing tool in order to further develop the manufacturing tool for optimum performance of a manufacturing task. The positioning device may be an industrial robot. The manufacturing tool may be a Welding gun, a Soldering tool, Riveting pliers, or a Screwing tool. The manufacturing tool may be coupled to at least one numerical control unit which controls the manufacturing tool, the multi-axis robot arm, and/or the positioning device. The numerical control unit may be arranged remotely from the manufacturing tool and may have data links that transmit control signals. The manufacturing tool may include a manipulator that is attached to the multi-axis robot arm and/or may include a holding device that holds at least one component.