Multi-layer Cage Assembly System with Automated Grippers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual assembly of multi-layer cages is inefficient and poses safety hazards due to strict tolerance requirements and sharp edges, leading to low assembly efficiency and potential injuries.

Innovation Solution

A robot assembling system comprising multiple workstations and robots to automatically assemble multi-layer cages by loading and positioning components, using grippers, bending mechanisms, and suction devices to form the top case assembly and bottom case assembly, thereby eliminating manual intervention and improving precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual assembly is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but assembly efficiency is very low and safety hazards occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidmanual intervention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where robots perform assembly operations without human intervention. The robotic assembly system autonomously positions, orients, and connects cage components using automated gripping and positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual bending and assembly while maintaining consistent precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated robotic systems. The patent substitutes human hands and tools with robotic grippers, positioning systems, and automated connection mechanisms that can handle the precision requirements without physical contact hazards from sharp edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If strict tolerance requirements are enforced, then assembly precision is maintained, but assembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary positioning and orientation of components before final assembly. Robots pre-position the cage cases, partitions, and covers with precise alignment, ensuring tolerance requirements are met before the actual connection operation, which streamlines the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses programmed motion paths and digital models to replicate precise positioning repeatedly. The robotic system follows pre-programmed trajectories and positioning data to ensure consistent assembly precision across all units without requiring manual measurement and adjustment for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If manual handling of sharp edges and pins is performed, then assembly can be completed, but safety hazards and potential injuries occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the hazardous components. Robots handle all interactions with sharp edges, pins, and clamps, serving as a protective barrier that eliminates direct human contact with hazardous elements while completing the assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs all hazardous operations autonomously without human intervention. The robotic assembly system independently manages components with sharp features, applying clamps, making connections, and positioning parts that would pose safety risks to manual operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The system significantly enhances assembly efficiency, reduces labor costs, and minimizes the risk of injury by automating the assembly process while maintaining high precision and avoiding component interference.

Implementation Method 1

a suction device configured to hold the bottom case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3433063B1Robot assembling system and method for assembling multi-layer cage
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP3433063B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3433063B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3433063B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A robot assembling system for assembling a multi-layer cage is provided. The multi-layer cage comprises a bottom case, a top case, at least one partition plate and at least two partition assemblies. The robot assembling system comprises: a first assembling workstation configured to assemble the partition plate and the partition assembly to form a partition means; a second assembling workstation configured to assemble the partition means and the top case to form a top case assembly; a third assembling workstation configured to assemble the top case assembly and the bottom case to form a multi-layer cage; and at least one robot configured to transmit the bottom case, the top case, the partition plate, the partition assembly, the partition means or the top case assembly between respective assembling workstation, and assist an assembly process at each assembling workstation. The robot assembling system may realize the automatic assembly of the multi-layer cage, which greatly improves the efficiency of assembling the multi-layer cage.