Position Verification Sensor for Robotic Work Cell Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial robotics systems face challenges in maintaining precise positioning accuracy over time due to component degradation, requiring a cost-effective and easy-to-integrate solution for monitoring and tracking changes in positioning precision within work cells.
Innovation Solution
A position verification sensor system that includes a substratum, housing, receiver pad, aperture cap, and compliant member, producing discrete outputs based on key alignment and contact, allowing for precise measurement of mutual mechanical positioning accuracy and detection of positioning precision changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vision-based or laser-based methods are used to verify positioning accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical measurement systems (vision-based or laser-based methods) with a simple mechanical contact-based verification system. The sensor uses a receiver pad that makes direct mechanical contact with the key to verify positioning accuracy, eliminating the need for expensive and complex optical equipment while maintaining verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a simple, low-cost mechanical sensor structure with a receiver pad and aperture cap that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach uses inexpensive mechanical components rather than expensive optical systems, making the verification system cost-effective and suitable for routine positioning checks.
2Measurement precision
If complex positioning verification systems are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system is segmented into simple, modular components: a substratum, housing, receiver pad, aperture cap, and compliant member. This segmentation allows for easy integration into existing robotic work cells and simplifies installation and maintenance, as each component has a specific function and can be independently replaced or adjusted.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system automatically verifies positioning accuracy through mechanical contact without requiring complex external equipment or sophisticated operation procedures. The compliant member self-adjusts to accommodate positioning variations, and the system provides direct output signals indicating whether the key is properly positioned, eliminating the need for complex calibration or interpretation procedures.
3Device complexity
If mechanical contact-based verification is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver pad is designed with specific local properties to enhance measurement precision despite the simplicity of the mechanical system. The pad's surface characteristics, compliance, and contact area are optimized to detect precise positioning conditions, allowing the simple mechanical structure to achieve accurate verification results.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant member allows for parameter changes in the system by accommodating variations in key positioning through elastic deformation. This compliance enables the mechanical system to detect precise positioning by measuring the degree of contact and force transmission, transforming small positional variations into detectable mechanical responses that maintain verification accuracy.
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
The system provides a cost-effective and minimally invasive means to ascertain and maintain positioning accuracy in robotic work cells, overcoming limitations of vision-based and laser-based methods by offering quick, accurate, and repeatable verification of key alignment, thus enhancing manufacturing process reliability and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant member interposed between the substratum and the housing through which the substratum and the housing are in mechanical communication and that: rests in a primary position in an absence of the key disposed on the cap surface of the aperture cap; receives the depression force from the aperture cap; reciprocatively depresses, from the primary position to a depressed position, in response to receiving the depression force and being pushed by the depression force from the key
Data Source
AI summary
A position verification sensor produces a discrete output for determining an accuracy of mutual mechanical positioning with a key and includes: a substratum; a housing; a receiver pad that: receives contact with the key; produces a target output in contact with the key; and produces a null output in absence of contact with the key; an aperture cap having: a cap surface; and the keyway aperture that selectively communicates the key; and a compliant member that: rests in a primary position in an absence of the key disposed on the cap surface; receives the depression force from the aperture cap; reciprocatively depresses, from the primary position to a depressed position, in response to receiving the depression force and being pushed by the depression force from the key; and reciprocatively returns, from the depressed position to the primary position, when the key is removed from contact with the aperture cap.