Multi-Ply Lamination End Effector for Collision-Free Course Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end effectors in composite manufacturing systems impose limitations on the proximity and coordination of placement robots, leading to collisions and increased operation time when placing courses with different orientations.
Innovation Solution
A course placement system with end effectors featuring a frame shape optimized for picking and placing courses of different orientations, allowing placement robots to be positioned closer together without collisions, utilizing a frame with partially overlapping rectangular shapes and a contact surface layer, and incorporating a vacuum system with segmented regions for precise course handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If end effectors use traditional shapes, then placement robots must be positioned farther apart, but this increases the operation time and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector contact surface is divided into multiple rectangular regions (first rectangular shape, second rectangular shape, third rectangular shape) that can independently handle courses. This segmentation allows different parts of the end effector to grip courses of different orientations simultaneously, enabling closer robot positioning without collision while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector design adds dimensional complexity by incorporating multiple rectangular shapes oriented at different angles (0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees). This multi-dimensional contact surface configuration allows the end effector to handle courses in multiple orientations simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between collision avoidance and operation time
2Adaptability or versatility
If end effectors are designed to handle multiple course orientations, then the frame shape becomes more complex, but this may increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector frame is designed with multiple rectangular contact surfaces that can universally handle courses of different orientations (0, 45, and 90 degrees). This multi-functional design allows a single end effector structure to perform multiple orientation handling tasks, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different rectangular regions of the end effector contact surface are optimized for specific orientations (first rectangle for 0 degrees, second for 45 degrees, third for 90 degrees). This local optimization allows each region to specialize in handling courses of its designated orientation, achieving high adaptability while maintaining manageable overall complexity
3Area of stationary object
If placement robots are positioned closer together, then system space efficiency improves, but collision risk between end effectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface is segmented into multiple rectangular regions oriented at different angles, allowing end effectors to grip courses in different orientations simultaneously. This segmentation enables closer robot positioning because each robot's end effector interacts with courses in its specific orientation zone, reducing collision risk while improving space efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-orientation contact surface acts as an intermediary that mediates between closely positioned robots by providing distinct grip zones for different course orientations. This intermediary structure allows robots to operate in close proximity without direct interference, as the contact surface geometry prevents collision paths
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 simultaneous placement of courses with different orientations without collisions, reducing operation time and improving placement accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a vacuum system with segmented regions for precise course handling
Data Source
AI summary
A course placement system comprising a frame and a contact surface layer. The frame comprises a first rectangular shape and a second rectangular shape partially overlapping the first rectangular shape at an angle to the first rectangular shape. The contact surface layer is connected to the frame. The contact surface layer has a surface area shape within the frame.