Multi-Tool Robotic End Effector for Parallel Manufacturing Tasks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing systems lack the capability to efficiently perform multiple tasks simultaneously using a single end effector, leading to reduced productivity and efficiency in automated manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose end effector with multiple tool arms and tools that can independently and controllably extend, retract, and rotate, coupled to an articulating robot, allowing simultaneous performance of different manufacturing tasks such as fastening and welding, facilitated by a vision system for precise positioning and a controller for coordinated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single end effector performs multiple tasks sequentially, then task completion is achieved, but productivity and manufacturing speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manufacturing tools (welding tool, fastening tool, sealing tool) into a single end effector assembly that can perform multiple tasks simultaneously. The tools are integrated on common support structures with shared actuators, enabling parallel execution of welding, fastening, and sealing operations on different portions of the workpiece at the same time, thereby dramatically improving productivity and reducing total task completion time.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed as a universal assembly capable of performing multiple manufacturing functions through its multiple independent tools. Each tool can be independently activated and controlled to perform its specific function, allowing the single end effector to replace multiple single-function end effectors and achieve simultaneous multi-task execution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single-tool end effectors are used, then each task can be performed, but system complexity and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple separate single-tool end effectors, the patent merges multiple tools into one integrated end effector. The tools share common support structures, actuators, and control systems, which reduces the overall system complexity compared to coordinating multiple independent end effectors while maintaining full task capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can perform welding, fastening, sealing, and other manufacturing tasks through its multiple tools. This universal design provides the same adaptability as multiple specialized end effectors but with reduced system complexity due to the integrated architecture.
3Productivity
If tools are integrated on common support structures, then simultaneous task execution is enabled, but individual tool control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tools are integrated on common support structures that share actuators and control systems. This merging allows simultaneous execution of multiple tasks while using a unified control architecture that coordinates all tools through common control inputs, enabling parallel operation without requiring completely separate control systems for each tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector employs dynamic control mechanisms that allow individual tools to be independently activated and controlled based on the specific manufacturing task requirements. The control system can dynamically allocate resources and coordinate tool operations to achieve parallel execution while managing control complexity through adaptive task scheduling and tool selection.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for manufacturing with an end effector. The end effector includes a coupling device configured to be functionally coupled to a robotic arm of an articulating robot, first and second tool arms coupled to and extending from the coupling device, each of the first and second tool arms configured to independently and controllably extend and retract from the coupling device and configured to controllably rotate relative to the coupling device, a first tool functionally coupled to the first tool arm and configured to independently perform a first manufacturing task, the first tool configured to controllably rotate relative to the first tool arm, and a second tool functionally coupled to the second tool arm and configured to independently perform a second manufacturing task, the second tool configured to controllably rotate relative to the second tool arm.