Retro-reflective Ejector Laser Tracking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly systems for structures like prefabricated roof trusses lack the ability to automatically track the number of assembled trusses and the time required for assembly without requiring wires or cables between the assembly table and the computer.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a retro-reflective surface on the ejector mechanism within the field of view of the laser projector, allowing the computer to scan and track the number of assemblies and assembly time without additional costs or wiring, using fluid-actuated or pneumatic ejectors with retro-reflective surfaces and a computer-controlled laser projector system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a laser projector system is used to project laser images on the work surface for assembling structures, then the precision of component alignment is improved, but the ability to automatically track assembly completion and count assemblies is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser projector system with a retro-reflective surface on the ejector mechanism to integrate alignment guidance and assembly completion detection functions into a single system. The laser projector scans the retro-reflective surface to detect ejector position, automatically determining when assembly is complete and counting assemblies without requiring separate sensing systems or wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The retro-reflective surface acts as an intermediary element that enables the laser projector to detect the ejector's position and state. By placing the retro-reflective surface on the ejector, the system uses the laser scanner's existing optical path to indirectly sense assembly completion through the presence or position of the ejector, avoiding direct electrical connections.
2Manufacturing precision
If sensors or laser targets are fixed on the work surface to enable laser projection tracking, then the precision of laser template generation is improved, but the device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser projector is given multiple functions: it continues to project laser templates for alignment guidance while simultaneously scanning the retro-reflective surface on the ejector to detect assembly completion. This eliminates the need for separate sensors or targets on the work surface, reducing device complexity and wiring requirements while maintaining precision.
3Device complexity
If manual tracking of assembly numbers and time is performed, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by using the laser projector to automatically scan the retro-reflective surface on the ejector, detect when assemblies are complete, count the number of assemblies, and track assembly time without human intervention. This automates previously manual tracking tasks while maintaining relative system simplicity.
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 automatic tracking of the number of assembled trusses and the time required for assembly, enhancing efficiency without additional costs or the need for wires between the assembly table and the computer.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector lifting the assembly from the work surface upon completion of the assembly having a retro-reflective surface in a field of view of the laser projector, whereby the laser projector scans the retro-reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly apparatus for assembling components including a work surface, a laser projector, a computer controlling the laser projector to protect a laser image on the work surface, and an ejector lifting a completed assembly from the work surface having a retro-reflective surface within a field of view of the laser projector when the ejector is lifted, such that the laser projector scans the retro-reflective surface and the computer determines at least one of the number of completed assemblies made and the time required to make the assembly.