Modular Self-Configuring Industrial Table with Detection Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing industrial tabletops lack the ability to efficiently adapt to varying workpiece sizes and shapes, and there is a need for a modular and self-configuring apparatus that can accurately position and interconnect modules for robotic manipulation and automated manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A modular tabletop apparatus composed of modules with periodic detection and connection arrangements, equipped with sensors and a main controller that computes the size and shape of the tabletop through detection interfaces, allowing for accurate positioning and interconnection of modules to form a tessellation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-piece planar holding plate is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to workpieces of different sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying workpiece sizes and shapesVSAvoidmodular structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding plate is divided into multiple modular panels that can be independently assembled and configured. Each panel can be separately manufactured and then coupled together to form a customized holding surface that adapts to different workpiece sizes and shapes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular panels are designed with standardized coupling mechanisms and positioning features that allow them to serve multiple functions and be configured in various arrangements. This universal design enables the same panel types to adapt to different workpiece configurations while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular panels are coupled together to form a customized holding surface, then adaptability to different workpiece sizes is improved, but the assembly complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization for different workpiece dimensionsVSAvoidassembly time for modular panels

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The modular panels are pre-configured with standardized coupling mechanisms, positioning features, and connection interfaces during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of coupling and positioning features allows for rapid assembly without requiring complex on-site configuration, reducing assembly time while maintaining customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If detection interfaces and sensors are added to modules for self-configuration, then the tabletop can automatically compute its size and shape, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic computation of tabletop configurationVSAvoidnumber of sensors and detection interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular panels are equipped with detection interfaces and sensors that enable the tabletop system to automatically detect its own configuration, compute its size and shape, and adapt to different arrangements without external intervention. This self-service capability allows the system to autonomously configure itself, reducing the need for manual setup and programming while the standardized sensor interfaces keep the added complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If positioning arrangements are disposed on module surfaces for accurate positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity of each module increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of workpiece-handling elementsVSAvoidmodule manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning arrangements use standardized, homogeneous features such as regularly spaced holes, slots, or geometric elements that are identical across all modular panels. This homogeneity allows each module to be manufactured using the same processes and tools, simplifying production while providing consistent positioning accuracy across the entire tabletop assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Data Source

PatentUS20260034623A1Modular self-configuring industrial table

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 EMI INTEGRATED SYST LTD

AI summary

A modular tabletop apparatus, typically used for workpiece storage and handling during robotic manipulation and feeding to a machine, is disclosed. Modules of the apparatus comprise detection interfaces disposed at locations corresponding to module edge locations and arranged in a periodic grid. Alignment of facing detection interfaces along common edges of pairs of adjacent modules permits module controllers to detect neighboring modules, and a main controller to compute the overall size and shape of the tabletop formed by the modules. Connecting arrangements are also disclosed. The connecting arrangements may be placed at the same grid locations as the detection interfaces, advantageously permitting alignment of detection interfaces for any interconnection configuration of modules. Modules may comprise plates with a grid of positioning indentations. The period of the positioning grid can be an integer multiple or integer fraction of that of the interface/connection grid.