Modular Tool Connector With Quick Clamping for Robotic Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic welding systems lack modularity and adaptability, requiring separate robotic and manual welding machines, leading to unnecessary capital and labor investments, and inefficient configuration changes when switching between processes.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector for a robotic tool system that allows for removably attaching different tools, such as manual weld guns, to a robotic arm, featuring a clamping mechanism with fixed and movable clamping features, a guide member, and an actuating screw for easy tool attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a dedicated robotic welding machine is used, then welding operations can be automated, but the system lacks adaptability to perform non-welding tasks and requires separate capital investment
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate both robotic welding tools and manual tools. The mounting plate with standardized clamp mechanism allows the same robotic arm to perform welding operations when equipped with a welding gun, and non-welding tasks when equipped with manual tools, eliminating the need for separate dedicated machines
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the robotic arm from the tooling, with the tool being a removable component that can be quickly exchanged. The mounting plate and clamp mechanism serve as an interface layer that enables different tools to be attached to the same robotic arm, allowing independent optimization of the robotic arm for automation while maintaining versatility through tool interchangeability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manual welding machine is used, then the system is simple and flexible for manual operation, but it cannot perform automated welding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm with universal mounting interface serves dual purposes: it can perform automated welding operations when equipped with a robotic welding gun, and it can perform manual operations when equipped with manual tools. This eliminates the need to choose between automated and manual systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot configuration is changed to switch between welding and non-welding tasks, then task versatility is achieved, but the configuration process is time-consuming and intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The tool system is segmented into removable components that can be independently exchanged. The tool itself is separated from the robotic arm, allowing quick attachment and detachment without requiring complex reconfiguration of the robot's internal systems, thereby reducing configuration time
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate and clamp mechanism are pre-configured with standardized interfaces and alignment features. This preliminary setup enables tools to be quickly attached and properly positioned without requiring time-consuming adjustment or calibration procedures during task switching
4Reliability
If separate robotic and manual welding machines are maintained, then each can be optimized for its specific function, but capital investment and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
One robotic arm system replaces the need for separate robotic and manual welding machines by providing universal tool mounting capability. The same robotic arm can be equipped with different tools depending on the task requirements, reducing the total number of equipment units while maintaining functional optimization through specialized tooling
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the capabilities of separate robotic and manual welding machines into a single unified platform. The robotic arm serves as a common base that can operate with either automated welding tools or manual tools, consolidating equipment resources and reducing capital investment
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a modular connector for a robotic tool system. The modular connector comprises a first plate, a bracket, a second plate and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes at least two fixed clamping features and an at least one movable clamping feature positioned opposite to the at least two fixed clamping features. A tool is adapted to be received between the at least two fixed clamping features and the at least one movable clamping feature, such that movement of the at least one movable clamping feature relative to the at least two fixed clamping features facilitates clamping of the tool on the second plate of the modular connector. The modular connector facilitates easy and quick mounting of the tool of variable shape and size of the tool.