Pivoting Lower Arm for Robotic Sewing on Complex Geometries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic sewing technology with fixed-position lower arm posts struggles with sewing complex geometries, as the lower arm post impedes access to certain parts or requires frequent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A robotic sewing assembly with a rotatable lower arm that can pivot about a horizontal axis, equipped with drivetrains and a programmable control system to maintain stitch plate position and optimize sewing operations for complex geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-position lower arm post is used in robotic sewing, then the structure is simple and stable, but the sewing head cannot access certain portions of parts with complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The lower arm is transformed from a fixed-position structure to a dynamically rotatable structure. The lower arm can rotate about a transverse axis during sewing operations, allowing the sewing head to access complex geometries while maintaining structural stability through controlled rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower arm structure is divided into rotatable segments with independent drivetrains. The first drivetrain controls rotation about the transverse axis, while the second drivetrain maintains stitch plate position, allowing each segment to function independently for enhanced adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lower arm is made rotatable to access complex geometries, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional drivetrains and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drivetrain functions are merged into the lower arm structure. The first drivetrain for rotation and the second drivetrain for stitch plate position control are integrated within the lower arm, sharing common structural elements and control systems to reduce overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower arm structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables rotation about the transverse axis, maintains stitch plate position, and drives the butterfly looper. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lower arm rotates during sewing, then accessibility to complex parts improves, but maintaining stitch plate position becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The stitch plate position is dynamically maintained during lower arm rotation. The second drivetrain actively adjusts the stitch plate position in real-time to compensate for rotational movement, ensuring consistent positioning throughout the sewing operation despite the lower arm's maneuverability.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic sewing assembly is provided and includes a sewing head body, an upper arm, a motor and a lower arm. The upper arm is attachable to the sewing head body and includes a sewing needle oriented along a first axis. The lower arm is rotatably attachable to the sewing head body to be rotatable about a second axis defined transversely with respect to the first axis by the motor. The lower arm includes a stitch plate, a butterfly looper and first and second drivetrains. The first drivetrain is extendable through the lower arm and configured to maintain a position of the stitch plate during lower arm rotation. The second drivetrain is extendable through the lower arm and configured to drive the butterfly looper during the lower arm rotation.