Motorized Tooling Joints for Fast Precise Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated manipulator tooling assemblies are time-consuming to reconfigure for handling different workpieces, as they require manual adjustment and reassembly of interconnected tubing sections and clamps, which hampers efficiency in precision positioning and operation.

Innovation Solution

The development of automatically positionable joints with rotatable members, motors, and clutch systems that allow precise adjustment and locking of tooling arm configurations, enabling rapid reconfiguration and precise positioning of end effectors for various workpieces without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment and reassembly of interconnected tubing sections and clamps is used, then positional adjustment capability is achieved, but reconfiguration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositional adjustment capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch mechanism automatically engages when the motor reaches its target position, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting position and automatically locking the joint, thereby reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining positional adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated motorized system controlled by a controller. The motor-driven rotation and automatic clutch engagement substitute for manual manipulation of tubing sections and clamps, significantly reducing reconfiguration time while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If quick disconnect coupling is used, then tooling assembly replacement speed is improved, but positioning precision is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooling assembly replacement speedVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The joint transitions from a static quick-connect design to a dynamic system with motorized rotation and controlled clutch engagement. This allows the system to achieve both rapid reconfiguration and precise positioning by dynamically adjusting the joint angle and then locking it at the exact desired position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller receives feedback about the joint's rotational position and uses this information to control the motor and clutch timing. This feedback mechanism ensures that the joint reaches the precise target position before engagement, maintaining positioning precision while enabling fast reconfiguration through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple clamps and brackets are used for tubing sections, then structural stability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidnumber of clamps and brackets

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate clamps and brackets into a single integrated clutch mechanism. The clutch assembly integrates the functions of multiple fastening elements into one unified component that provides equivalent structural stability while dramatically reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid and precise reconfiguration of tooling assemblies, improving operational efficiency by allowing automated manipulators to handle different workpieces with minimal downtime and ensuring high precision in positioning, thereby enhancing productivity in workpiece transfer operations.

Implementation Method 1

a motor for causing rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first clutch that is movable between an engaged position in which the first clutch restrains rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member and a disengaged position in which the first clutch permits rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11059168B2Automatically positionable joints and transfer tooling assemblies including automatically positionable joints

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 NORGREN AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

An automatically positionable joint for a modular tooling assembly includes a first joint member; a second joint member that is rotatably connected to the first joint member; a motor for causing rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member; and a first clutch that is movable between an engaged position in which the first clutch restrains rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member and a disengaged position in which the first clutch permits rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member.