Modular Machining End Effector Interfaces for Precision and Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machining equipment, such as machine tools and industrial robots, are often bulky, inflexible, and dedicated to specific applications, limiting their ability to perform multiple operations with high precision and flexibility, particularly in demanding processes like machining of complex-shaped acoustic plates for noise reduction in aircraft nacelles.
Innovation Solution
A modular equipment system with a main interface and secondary interfaces and effectors, allowing for adjustable energy supply and flexible operation configurations, enabling the same machine to perform various machining operations by coupling different effectors and energy supplies as needed, thereby enhancing precision, flexibility, and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dedicated machine tools or industrial robots are used for specific machining operations, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into modular components that can be independently coupled and decoupled from the machine tool. This segmentation allows different machining operations to be performed by swapping effector modules while maintaining the same precision platform, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine tool is designed with a universal interface and control system that can accommodate multiple types of effectors for different machining operations (milling, drilling, routing). This multi-functionality allows a single machine to perform various operations with consistent precision, eliminating the need for dedicated machines for each operation type.
2Reliability
If bulky power supply equipment and ducts are provided for demanding machining processes, then energy supply reliability is improved, but machine flexibility and range of motion deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system transitions from rigid external ducts to flexible cables that can extend and retract along with the robot arm's movement. This dimensional change in power delivery architecture allows the machine to achieve full range of motion while maintaining reliable power supply to the effector during machining operations.
3Power
If heavy fittings and power supply ducts are attached to the robot arm, then power delivery capability is improved, but trajectory tracking accuracy and positioning precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power delivery based on the actual machining requirements and effector position. The flexible cable system moves with the robot arm, maintaining optimal tension and power transfer without adding fixed heavy infrastructure that would compromise positioning accuracy. Power is delivered only when and where needed during the machining cycle.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to equipment (1), particularly machining equipment, comprising a machine (3) having at least one arm (33), and comprising at least one first end effector (7a) configured to be coupled to a free end of the arm (33). According to the invention, the equipment (1) is modular and comprises a primary interface (5a) configured to be carried by the free end of the arm (33) and configured to be coupled to the first end effector (7a), at least one secondary interface (5b, 5c) configured to be coupled to the primary interface (5a), and at least one second end effector (7b, 7c) configured to be coupled to said at least one secondary interface (5b, 5c) and to the primary interface (5a). The equipment (1) also comprises at least one power supply system (11, 13) configured to power said at least one secondary interface (5b, 5c).