Method and assembly device for automated assembly of a frame for an air duct element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual assembly of frames consisting of flange profiles and corner brackets for air duct elements is labor-intensive and costly, limiting production efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An automated assembly method and device utilizing a multiple gripping device to simultaneously align and insert corner brackets and flange profiles, forming a closed frame, which can be equipped with an embossing tool for secure fastening, allowing for fully automated production independent of human working hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual assembly methods are used with different gripping devices for each profile type, then flexibility in handling different profiles is maintained, but assembly time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal gripping device with interchangeable gripping elements that can handle different profile types (U-profiles, channel profiles, angle profiles) through a single device platform. The device includes a base body with multiple gripping elements that can be exchanged based on the profile type, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device incorporates adjustable and interchangeable gripping elements that can be dynamically configured for different profile types. The device allows for quick changes in gripping configuration through interchangeable elements, enabling rapid adaptation to different profile geometries without requiring complete device replacement.
2Reliability
If multiple different gripping devices are used for different profile types, then each profile can be gripped optimally, but the number of devices increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device consolidates multiple specialized devices into a single universal platform. The base body accommodates different gripping elements (first, second, and third gripping elements) that can be interchanged based on profile requirements, reducing the total number of devices from multiple specialized units to one multi-functional unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device is segmented into modular components: a base body and interchangeable gripping elements. This segmentation allows the gripping functionality to be divided into separate, specialized elements that can be independently selected and combined, maintaining optimal gripping capability for each profile type while using a single integrated device.
3Productivity
If automated assembly is implemented, then productivity increases, but the requirement for specialized gripping devices for each profile type increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The automated assembly system utilizes a universal gripping device that can handle multiple profile types through interchangeable elements. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized gripping devices in the automation system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full automation capability for assembling different frame configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a method, an assembly device, an assembly cell, and a multi-gripping device for the automated assembly of a frame (14) consisting of corner brackets (16) and flange profiles (19) for an air duct element (11). In the method, an assembly device (30) is loaded with flange profiles (19) and corner brackets (16) by a handling device (32). Two opposing corner brackets (16) aligned with a flange profile (19) are inserted into the flange profile (19), forming an assembly group (81). Two opposing assembly groups (81) are inserted into the flange profiles (19) with a free insertion finger (17) of the corner brackets (16) of the assembly group (81) into the flange profiles (19) arranged between them, forming a closed frame (14). (See Figure 5)