Oscillating Assembly Cell for Multi-Engine Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated assembly cells lack flexibility to adapt to different engine geometries and types, limiting their ability to efficiently assemble various components in multi-cylinder internal combustion engines and requiring multiple dedicated cells for different production lines.
Innovation Solution
The assembly cell features a movable manipulator system with adjustable gripping members and a vertically raisable plate, supported by a sliding structure that oscillates, allowing for simultaneous assembly of multiple elements on engines with varying cylinder distances, enabling adaptation to different engine configurations and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated assembly cells are used for different engine types, then assembly precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and production flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator system employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the distance between gripping members to be varied during operation. The supporting structure can oscillate and the manipulator arms can be repositioned to accommodate different engine geometries, transforming a static dedicated cell into a dynamic adaptable system that maintains assembly reliability across multiple engine types
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly cell is designed with universal manipulators that can perform assembly operations on multiple engine types through adjustable configurations. The gripping members can be positioned at variable distances and the supporting structure can oscillate to accommodate different cylinder arrangements, enabling one cell to replace multiple dedicated cells while maintaining assembly precision
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated assembly cells are used for different engine types, then manufacturing precision for specific engine geometries is improved, but adaptability to different engine configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic adjustment of manipulator positions and gripping member distances to adapt to different engine geometries while maintaining precision. The oscillating supporting structure allows the manipulator to reach different spatial configurations, enabling the same cell to achieve manufacturing precision across various engine types through motion-based adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly cell changes operational parameters such as the distance between gripping members, the oscillation amplitude of the supporting structure, and the positioning of manipulator arms to match different engine geometries. These parameter adjustments enable the system to maintain manufacturing precision while adapting to various engine configurations
3Productivity
If multiple dedicated assembly cells are deployed, then productivity for specific engine lines is improved, but loss of time for reconfiguration and setup deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A single assembly cell with universal manipulators can handle multiple engine types, eliminating the need to physically reconfigure or replace dedicated cells when changing production lines. The manipulators can be quickly adjusted to different configurations, minimizing setup time while maintaining high assembly throughput across various engine models
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capabilities of the manipulator system allow for rapid reconfiguration between different engine types without requiring time-consuming mechanical reassembly. The oscillating supporting structure and adjustable gripping members can be repositioned quickly, reducing the loss of time associated with changing production lines while preserving assembly productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A cell for automated assembly operations, in particular for the assembly of components and accessories of multi-cylinder internal-combustion engines, includes a device for referencing the piece and clamping it in position, which includes a plate, provided with reference elements that are to engage, said plate being raisable vertically to take up the engine, setting the engine at a distance from the conveying device. The raisable plate is carried by a slide, which is mounted mobile in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the line. The aforesaid slide is mounted so that it can slide on a supporting structure, which is in turn mounted oscillating about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conveying line on a structure that is rigidly connected to the fixed frame of the cell.