Multifunctional Robotic End Effector for Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems in the construction industry require multiple robots equipped with single-task end effectors, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the high expense of individual robots with movable arms.
Innovation Solution
The development of multifunctional end effector robotic systems that integrate a mounting plate with various functional components such as a work piece holding assembly, a fastener gun component, and a spray component, all powered by a control box, allowing a single robot to perform multiple tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple single-task robots are employed to perform various construction tasks, then task specialization and reliability are improved, but system cost and complexity significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed with multiple functional components including a work piece holding assembly with grippers, a fastener gun component, and a spray component. These components can be actuated to perform different construction tasks such as gripping, nailing, screwing, and spraying, allowing a single robot to replace multiple specialized robots while maintaining task execution reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple previously separate robotic systems into a single integrated system. The end effector merges the functions of a gripper, fastener gun, and spray device into one component assembly that can be mounted on a single robot arm, thereby reducing system complexity while preserving the reliability of each individual function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single-task robots are employed to perform various construction tasks, then task specialization is improved, but cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector provides universal functionality across multiple construction tasks through its integrated components. The work piece holding assembly can grip various materials, the fastener gun can attach different types of fasteners, and the spray component can apply various coatings, all while using a single robot platform, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing the cost of deploying multiple specialized robots
3Device complexity
If a single robot with multifunctional end effector is used, then cost and complexity are reduced, but functional versatility must be integrated into one system
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is segmented into distinct functional components that can be independently controlled. The work piece holding assembly, fastener gun component, and spray component are separate modules that can be actuated independently, allowing the system to perform multiple functions while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable fastener gun component that can rotate to different angles, and a linear actuator that can extend and retract the spray component. These dynamic features enable the single robot to adapt to different task requirements and orientations, maintaining functional versatility while keeping the system structure relatively simple
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
This solution reduces the need for multiple robots, decreases costs, and simplifies construction processes by enabling a single robot to perform a variety of tasks with high accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the work piece holding assembly comprises a suction cup assembly having a plurality of suction cups that are configured to hold and release the work piece by performing suction actions
Implementation Method 2
the spray component is coupled to a linear actuator that is configured to extend the spray component in a same direction as the gripper assembly and the fastener gun component are pointed
Implementation Method 3
the fastener gun component is configured to attach a fastener to a work piece
Implementation Method 4
the spray component is configured to perform spraying or extruding of materials on a work piece
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional end effector robotic system of the present disclosure comprises a mounting plate of a multifunctional end effector that is configured to couple to an arm of a robot; and a plurality of functional components of the multifunctional end effector. The plurality of functional components comprises a work piece holding assembly that is configured to perform clamping or suction actions to a work piece; a fastener gun component that is configured to attach a fastener to a work piece; and/or a spray component that is configured to perform spraying or extruding of materials on a work piece. The multifunctional end effector robotic system further comprises a power control box of the multifunctional end effector that is configured to supply power to the plurality of functional components. Other systems and methods are also provided.