Multi-Leg Placement Tool with Rotation and Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for placing objects, such as tiles, on a surface face challenges in achieving high accuracy and efficiency due to accumulated inaccuracies and the need for manual handling, which is tiring and time-consuming, especially when working on large areas.

Innovation Solution

A tool with individually controllable tool legs equipped with gripping devices, a rotation device, and a vibration device that allows for precise positioning and fixation of objects, providing six degrees of freedom for precise placement and alignment, and the ability to handle objects of varying sizes and weights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual handling and alignment of objects is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity is low and labor intensity is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement speedVSAvoidmanual handling requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool enables automated self-positioning through the rotation device that automatically orients the object based on reference objects detected by sensors, eliminating the need for continuous manual alignment adjustments while maintaining placement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical alignment operations are replaced by an automated system combining sensors for detecting reference objects, a rotation device for automatic orientation, and a moveable system for precise positioning, thereby increasing productivity while reducing manual labor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If high precision positioning is maintained throughout the placement process, then placement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement accuracyVSAvoidtool structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented into independent controllable components: the moveable system handles position adjustment, the rotation device handles orientation, and sensors handle detection. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool performs preliminary detection of reference objects using sensors before execution of placement operations, and incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor placement accuracy and make real-time adjustments, thereby maintaining high precision without requiring overly complex predetermined positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated placement is implemented, then productivity increases, but accumulated inaccuracies may grow larger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement speedVSAvoidcumulative placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors continuously detect the positions of reference objects and provide feedback to the control system, which adjusts the moveable system and rotation device in real-time to compensate for any deviations, thereby preventing cumulative inaccuracies while maintaining automated high-speed placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The tool employs dynamic adjustment capabilities where the moveable system and rotation device can be individually controlled and adjusted during the placement process based on real-time sensor feedback, allowing the system to adapt to variations and maintain precision across large areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 accurate and efficient automated placement of objects, reducing manual labor and ensuring precise alignment and fixation, thereby improving the accuracy and speed of the placement process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one vibration device, wherein said tool legs are arranged to surround said at least one vibration device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

each tool leg is provided with a gripping device at a lower portion thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3260247B1Tool for placing objects

Publication Date: 2020.12.23 EL ZOUKI GRP AB

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AI summary

A tool (1) for placing at least one object (2) on a surface, wherein the tool (1) has a first portion (3) for gripping and releasing said object and a second portion (4) adapted to be attached to a moveable system, wherein the tool comprises at least three individually controllable tool legs (5), wherein each tool leg is provided with a gripping device (6) at a lower portion (7) thereof; a rotation device (10), wherein the tool legs (5) are attached to a base portion (14) of the rotation device (10); at least one vibration device (9), wherein said tool legs (5) are arranged to surround said at least one vibration device (9); and wherein said rotation device (10) is arranged to be able to simultaneously rotate the at least three tool legs (5) around a center of rotation of the object (2) to tool is arranged to hold.