Modular Robotic Arm for Carpentry Fitting Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated fitting machines in the carpentry sector are inflexible, require multiple machines for different types of fittings, are costly, and have complex structures that complicate maintenance and scalability, limiting manufacturers' ability to produce a diverse range of products efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A versatile and scalable carpentry fitting device with a modular design featuring a robotic positioning arm and interchangeable gripping tips, allowing for the installation of various types of fittings on frames without the need for multiple machines, and a computer-programmable control system for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple dedicated fitting machines are used for different types of fittings, then the precision and reproducibility of fitting operations is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is designed with interchangeable end effectors that can perform multiple fitting operations (drilling, screwing, locking, sealing) with a single device, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated machines while maintaining precision through programmable control and consistent positioning accuracy of 0.05mm to 0.1mm
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting machine is divided into modular functional components (positioning system, gripping mechanism, drilling unit, screwing unit, locking unit, sealing unit) that can be independently selected and combined based on the specific fitting type required, allowing precision for each operation while reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated fitting machines are used for different types of fittings, then the reproducibility of fitting operations is improved, but the acquisition cost and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single robotic arm system with programmable control executes all fitting operations with consistent repeatability accuracy of 0.02mm to 0.05mm, replacing multiple expensive dedicated machines while maintaining high reproducibility through digital programming and automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses programmable parameters and digital control to adjust fitting operations for different types of fittings, maintaining reproducibility through software configuration rather than requiring separate hardwired machines for each fitting type
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single versatile fitting device is used for various fitting types, then the adaptability and scalability are improved, but the positioning precision and gripping reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm provides dynamic positioning with 6 degrees of freedom and programmable motion control, allowing precise positioning (0.05mm to 0.1mm accuracy) for various fitting locations while maintaining adaptability through software programming for different fitting types and configurations
Solution Approach 2:
Specialized end effectors are designed for specific fitting operations (drilling, screwing, locking, sealing) while mounted on a universal robotic arm, providing both the adaptability of a single device and the precision of specialized tools for each local operation
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single versatile fitting device is used for various fitting types, then the scalability of production is improved, but the operational complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system is equipped with automated tool changing capability and programmable control that allows it to autonomously switch between different end effectors and fitting operations based on pre-programmed instructions, reducing operational complexity despite the versatility of performing multiple fitting types with a single device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 4A~4E
AI summary
The device (1) has a positioning arm (5) provided with a gripping unit (6) seizing fittings (2) to install the fittings on a frame (3), where the arm positions the gripping unit with respect to the frame, such that the gripping unit held by the unit is provided relative to a predetermined location of the frame provided for receiving the fitting. The gripping unit is developed in gripping configurations, where each configuration grips particular type of fitting, which differs by shapes and dimension of other type of the fittings to which other configuration corresponds. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for fixing a woodwork (2) computer program comprising instructions to perform a method for fixing a woodwork (3) a computer readable medium comprising instructions to perform a method for fixing a woodwork.