Vehicle Assembly Unit Synchronization Using Optical Position Carriers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for synchronizing the movement of assembly units with conveyor carriers in motor vehicle assembly are complex, either requiring intricate data comparisons or mechanical systems that are prone to maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor and assembly device with an elongate optical data carrier and a controller-driven assembly unit, where the data carrier provides absolute position information read by an optical device to synchronize and position the assembly unit with the conveyor carrier, eliminating the need for complex data transactions and mechanical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex data comparison methods are used to synchronize assembly unit with conveyor carrier, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex software-based data comparison methods with a mechanical-optical synchronization system. An optical reading device mounted on the assembly unit reads position data from a data carrier attached to the conveyor carrier, directly controlling the assembly unit's position through optical-mechanical coupling rather than complex data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data carrier as an intermediary element between the conveyor carrier and the assembly unit's control system. This data carrier holds position information that the optical reading device can directly read, serving as a simple mediator that transfers position data without requiring complex comparison algorithms.
2Reliability
If mechanical driver systems are used to latch assembly unit to conveyor carrier, then synchronization reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical driver systems with an optical reading system. Instead of using mechanical components to latch and synchronize the assembly unit to the conveyor carrier, the system uses an optical reading device to read position data from a data carrier and control the assembly unit's position electronically, eliminating mechanical wear and maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The data carrier is attached to the conveyor carrier and automatically passes by the optical reading device during normal operation. The system synchronizes itself through this automatic passing interaction without requiring external intervention, adjustment, or maintenance of complex mechanical latching mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If optical reading device reads data carrier continuously, then positioning accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical reading device reads the data carrier periodically as it passes by during the normal movement of the conveyor system, rather than continuously scanning. The reading occurs at specific intervals when the data carrier is in the optimal reading position, maintaining accuracy while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous scanning.
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 precise and effortless synchronization and positioning of the assembly unit relative to the conveyor carrier, reducing mechanical and software complexity while minimizing maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an optical reading device (32), in particular a laser reading device, which scans data carrier (30)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a conveying and assembly device (10) for motor vehicles, comprising a conveying unit (12) with at least one moving conveying carrier (16) configured to transport a motor vehicle or a part of a motor vehicle at a predetermined speed within the conveying unit (12), and an assembly device (22) comprising an assembly unit (24) movable with the conveying carrier (16) for carrying a machining device (26) for the motor vehicle/part, and a guide device (20) and drive device (36) for the assembly unit (24) to move and position it in synchronization with the conveying carrier (16). According to the invention, an elongated optical data carrier (30) is arranged in conjunction with the conveying carrier (16), the longitudinal direction of which extends in the direction of movement of the conveying unit (12).The data carrier (30) has at least one absolute position indicator, and the assembly device (22) has a control unit (34) for the drive unit (36) and an optical reading device (32) connected to the control unit (34), which is configured to read the data carrier (30) arranged on the conveyor carrier (16). The control unit (34) is configured to control the drive unit (36) depending on the data read.