Quick-change clamp arms for robot end effectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial robots require multiple end effectors with different clamp arm configurations for various tasks, leading to increased costs, manual intervention, and interruptions in process flow due to the need for separate assemblies for each configuration.

Innovation Solution

The development of quick-change clamp arms that can be automatically connected and disconnected from a single robot end effector, allowing multiple clamp arm configurations to be used interchangeably without interrupting the process, reducing the number of end effectors required in a work cell.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate end effectors with different clamp arm configurations are used for various tasks, then task versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask versatilityVSAvoidnumber of end effectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector is designed with a universal quick-change interface that can accommodate multiple clamp arm configurations through standardized mounting features. This allows a single end effector to perform multiple tasks by simply changing the clamp arm attachment, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated end effectors for different tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp arm system is divided into separable components: the main end effector body and interchangeable clamp arm attachments. This segmentation allows the clamp arms to be independently changed without replacing the entire end effector assembly, enabling task versatility while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual changing of end effectors is performed, then adaptability is improved, but productivity and safety deteriorate due to time-consuming interruptions and potential safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp arm interchangeabilityVSAvoidprocess flow continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The quick-change mechanism incorporates self-aligning features and automated locking/unlocking systems that enable the robot system to change clamp arms with minimal human intervention. The standardized interface allows the end effector to essentially service itself during clamp arm changes, reducing manual handling time and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple clamp arm configurations are pre-configured with standardized mounting features that match the quick-change interface. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid interchange without requiring manual measurement, alignment, or complex assembly procedures during task switching, thereby maintaining process flow continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate end effectors are used for different clamp arm configurations, then task versatility is improved, but loss of time increases due to manual intervention and process interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp arm configurabilityVSAvoidend effector change time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized quick-change interface enables a single end effector to accommodate multiple clamp arm configurations, eliminating the time required to physically replace entire end effector assemblies. Task versatility is maintained through configurable attachments rather than multiple complete assemblies, significantly reducing changeover time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows rapid reconfiguration by changing the attachment parameters (clamp arm configurations) rather than replacing the entire end effector. This parameter-based approach enables quick adaptation to different tasks by simply swapping modular components with standardized interfaces, minimizing time loss during transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10710245B2Quick-change clamp arms for robot end effectors, systems including the same, and related methods

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Presently disclosed systems and methods provide for a quick-change clamp arm that may be coupled to and removed from a robot end effector via a quick-change feature coupled to the robot end effector. Systems may include a plurality of such quick-change clamp arms that each may be coupled to a given robot end effector such that when one is removed, a different respective quick-change clamp arm may be coupled to the robot end effector. The robot end effector may be configured to perform a task to one side of a workpiece, while the quick-change clamp arm applies a stabilizing normal force to the other side of the workpiece. Due to the interchangeable nature of presently disclosed quick-change clamp arms, systems may reduce the number of robot end effectors required for a given manufacturing process. Related methods of removing and coupling quick-change clamp arms to robot end effectors may be automated.