Projector-Based Assembly Workstation Visual Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assembly workstations lack simplicity and safety in guiding users through manual assembly processes, as they often require complex device setups and do not effectively highlight critical information or components.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a projector to display assembly information and container markings on a work surface and material containers, allowing flexible and intuitive visualization of assembly instructions, component positions, and material container identification, with a user interface for defining work steps and linking media files for enhanced guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a projector is used to display assembly information and container markings on the work surface and material containers, then the ease of operation and user guidance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser guidanceVSAvoiddevice setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a projector as an intermediary device that displays virtual information (assembly instructions, container markings) onto the physical work surface and material containers. This mediator bridges the gap between the digital work plan and the physical assembly process, providing intuitive visual guidance without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the assembly workstation itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates visual copies of information by projecting images of container markings, assembly locations, and instructions onto the work surface and material containers. These projected copies replace the need for physical labels, mechanical guides, or complex display systems, simplifying the overall device setup while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Loss of information

If multiple types of information are displayed simultaneously on the work surface and material containers, then the loss of information is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation visibilityVSAvoidprojection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the projector a multi-functional device that can display multiple types of information simultaneously - assembly instructions, container markings, location indicators, and safety warnings - all through a single projection system. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized display devices while ensuring comprehensive information visibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges various information elements (text instructions, graphical markings, container identifiers) into a single integrated projection system. By combining these different information types into one cohesive display approach on the work surface and containers, the system reduces information loss without requiring separate complex devices for each information type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution simplifies and enhances the safety of assembly processes by providing clear, flexible, and customizable visual guidance, improving user perception and reducing errors through intuitive projections and markings, while allowing for flexible work planning and confirmation of steps.

Implementation Method 1

at least one projector (20), via which information can be displayed on a projection surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3467623B1Method for an assembly workstation, assembly workstation, computer program and computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3467623B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3467623B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3467623B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for an assembly workstation is disclosed. This workstation has at least one work surface and/or at least one material container. Furthermore, the assembly workstation can have a projector that can display information on a projection surface. The projection surface can comprise at least part of the work surface and at least a section of the at least one material container. An electronic work plan with a multitude of work steps can be executed via a control unit. In at least one work step or part of the work steps, at least one piece of information is displayed on the projection surface via the projector. This information could be, for example, assembly information and/or a marking and/or a container marking for the at least one material container.