Reconfigurable Robotic Cells With Switchable End Effectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robotic manufacturing processes lack flexibility and efficiency, as they are often linear and require multiple cells to handle specific tasks, leading to increased footprint usage, buffering requirements, and higher failure rates, especially in low-medium volume production with varying configurations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of reconfigurable robotic manufacturing cells that can select and switch between different sets of end effectors based on real-time data from sensors and a manufacturing execution system, allowing cells to adapt to different manufacturing steps and handle multiple tasks independently, thereby reducing dependencies and improving overall process flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional linear robotic manufacturing processes use multiple cells to handle specific tasks, then task specialization is improved, but footprint usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask specializationVSAvoidfootprint usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Each robotic cell is equipped with multiple interchangeable end effectors that can be selected based on the specific manufacturing task. The system can dynamically assign different end effectors to different cells, allowing any cell to perform multiple different tasks rather than being dedicated to a single function. This multi-functionality reduces the number of cells needed while maintaining task specialization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic reconfiguration where robotic cells can switch between different end effectors during operation based on real-time manufacturing needs. The manufacturing execution system monitors task requirements and dynamically assigns appropriate end effectors to cells, enabling the system to adapt its configuration rather than being static. This dynamic capability allows the same physical cell to serve different functions at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple robotic cells are deployed for specific tasks, then manufacturing precision is improved, but buffering requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess accuracyVSAvoidbuffering requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing execution system continuously monitors the status and performance of each robotic cell, including task completion rates, end effector effectiveness, and workflow bottlenecks. Based on this real-time feedback, the system dynamically reassigns end effectors and adjusts task distribution to optimize precision while minimizing the need for buffering. The feedback loop enables the system to maintain high precision through intelligent resource allocation rather than relying on excessive buffering capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If conventional robotic cells are configured for specific manufacturing steps, then process efficiency is improved, but adaptability to configuration changes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of robotic cells by allowing end effectors to be added, removed, or reassigned between cells during operation. The manufacturing execution system manages these changes dynamically, maintaining process efficiency while adapting to new configuration requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond to changing production demands without sacrificing the efficiency gains from specialized task assignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the manufacturing process into independent tasks that can be performed by different robotic cells with specific end effectors. Each end effector is a discrete, interchangeable component that can be independently selected and assigned. This segmentation allows the system to maintain efficient specialized processing for current tasks while easily reconfiguring by swapping individual end effectors rather than reconfiguring entire cellular structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple robotic cells are used in linear configuration, then task coverage is improved, but failure rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask coverageVSAvoidfailure rates

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the capabilities of multiple specialized cells into fewer multi-functional cells by combining different end effectors within the same physical cell. This consolidation reduces the total number of cells in the linear configuration, thereby reducing the probability of system-wide failures while maintaining comprehensive task coverage through the pooled capabilities of end effectors that can be dynamically assigned across the reduced set of cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12151373B2Reconfigurable robotic manufacturing cells

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A manufacturing process adopting the reconfigurable robotic manufacturing cells that can work conjointly and yet have the capabilities to be reconfigured to disconnect from other cells and handle multiple tasks. The reconfigurable robotic cell is not dependent on any other robotic cells to complete work in progress.