Automotive Mirror Assembly Using Universal Gripper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manual assembly of automotive mirrors is time-consuming and costly, and existing gripping devices are not suited for the varied geometries and topologies of mirror parts, requiring multiple gripper designs and increasing production time and costs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of standard gripping points on mirror parts and modules, allowing for the use of a common gripper design that can handle different geometries and topologies, and a robotic gripping device with moveable fingers and a central spine for automated assembly, enabling efficient handling and connection of flexible printed circuit boards and modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual assembly is used for automotive mirrors, then flexibility in handling different geometries is maintained, but production time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single gripper system with multiple gripping units that can handle various mirror parts (housing parts, lighting modules, circuit boards) with different geometries and topologies. The gripping units are equipped with adaptable gripping elements that can be adjusted to accommodate diverse part shapes, enabling one gripper design to perform multiple functions previously requiring different specialized grippers.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper is segmented into multiple independent gripping units, each capable of independently gripping different parts. This segmentation allows the gripper to handle complex assemblies with multiple components simultaneously, improving productivity while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to different geometries through individual unit adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple specialized gripper designs are used for different mirror parts, then each part can be gripped optimally, but gripper changes become time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple specialized grippers, the patent implements a universal gripper system with multiple gripping units that can be adjusted to handle different part types. This eliminates the need for gripper changes between different mirror parts, reducing setup time and costs while maintaining optimal gripping through adjustable gripping elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping elements are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the gripper to adapt its configuration for different part geometries. This dynamic adaptability enables the same gripper structure to achieve optimal gripping accuracy for housing parts, lighting modules, and circuit boards without requiring physical gripper changes.
3Productivity
If automated robotic assembly is implemented, then production costs and time are reduced, but gripping devices must handle varied geometries effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The automated gripper system incorporates multiple gripping units with adaptable elements that can handle various mirror part geometries. This universal design enables automated assembly to proceed without sacrificing the ability to accommodate different part shapes, maintaining both high productivity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping parameters (such as gripping force, element position, and configuration) are made changeable through automated adjustment mechanisms. This allows the robotic system to adapt to different part geometries by modifying gripping parameters rather than requiring different gripper hardware, enabling efficient automated assembly of diverse components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing an automotive mirror, in particular a side mirror, includes forming a printed circuit board as flexible printed circuit board with n+1 branches, nϵN, providing n modules each including at least one electronic element housed within a plastic casting and connected to conducting paths on at least one of the surfaces of the plastic casting, and at least one standard gripping point, guiding structure, snap connection element and/or sealing member provided by the plastic casting, connecting up to n of said branches to one module each and connecting one branch to cables or a cable harness to be connected to a power supply and/or a control unit outside the mirror, providing mirror parts free of electronic elements, and assembling the mirror parts and the modules.