Panel Assembly Tooling for Slat Straightness Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling wooden panel assemblies, particularly Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) with superimposed layers of wooden and insulation elements, are inflexible, costly, and require extensive space due to the need for multiple specialized tools, which struggle with handling varying slat lengths and straightness corrections.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional end-of-arm tooling system with articulated arms and a tooling controller that can grip, position, and secure both wooden and insulation panels, capable of handling short and long slats, and correcting slat straightness using relative movement, reducing the need for multiple tools and increasing operational flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tools are used for different operations, then operational capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single end-of-arm tool equipped with multiple operating means including a gripper for gripping slats, a positioning means for positioning slats, and a securing means for securing slats. This multi-functional tool can perform gripping, positioning, and securing operations sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining full operational capability across all required tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tools are used for different operations, then operational capability is improved, but floor space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges gripping means, positioning means, and securing means into a single integrated end-of-arm tool assembly. By combining these previously separate functional stations into one compact unit mounted on an articulated arm, the system significantly reduces the floor space required while preserving all necessary operational capabilities for handling wooden slats throughout the panel assembly process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic structures and actuators are added to change EOAT size, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an articulated arm with adjustable positioning to provide dynamic adaptability for handling slats of various lengths. Instead of using telescopic structures or additional actuators that would compromise reliability, the system leverages the inherent mobility and repositioning capability of the articulated arm mechanism, maintaining structural simplicity and high reliability while achieving the required adaptability.
4Manufacturing precision
If straightness correction tool is added for long slats, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates straightness correction capability within the existing end-of-arm tool by using the positioning means to apply preliminary straightening action to long wooden slats before they are secured to the panel. This integration allows straightness correction to be performed as part of the normal positioning operation, achieving manufacturing precision requirements without adding separate correction tools or increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembling device (1) for manufacturing a panel assembly, which includes at least two tooling systems (2, 3), which both include wooden slat gripping, positioning and securing means, and insulation panel gripping and positioning means, and a tooling controller communicatively coupled to the tooling systems (2, 3), wherein the tooling systems (2, 3) are instructed so that, if the length of a wooden slat (101) exceeds a predetermined threshold, the wooden slat gripping means grip the wooden slat at different parts, and are moved relatively to each other in order to align their centerlines and to correct the straightness (S101) of the wooden slat.