Robot Arm Positioning With Laser Feedback for Tolerance Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for positioning components relative to each other in industrial settings, such as in the automotive or aerospace industries, often fail to maintain precise dimensions and tolerances, leading to incomplete production steps or obsolete products due to static offset limitations.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a robot arm system equipped with a laser scanning unit to detect distances between components and calculate dynamic position correction values, allowing for precise positioning of components based on coordinates, eliminating the need for fixed static offsets and improving absolute accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If static offset values are used for positioning components, then the positioning system is simple to operate, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates because static offsets are only valid for specific positions and cannot adapt to different reference positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing static offset values with dynamic position correction values that are calculated based on actual measured distances between components. The laser scanning unit continuously measures distances, and the control unit calculates correction values in real-time, allowing the positioning system to adapt to different reference positions and maintain high precision without requiring fixed pre-programmed offsets for every possible position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the laser scanning unit to measure the actual distance between the first and second components, then feeding this information back to the control unit which calculates position correction values. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the positioning system continuously adjusts based on actual measurements, maintaining manufacturing precision while avoiding the need for complex pre-programming of static offsets for all possible positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed positioning of components is implemented, then the positioning method is easy to manufacture, but the adaptability deteriorates because fixed positioning cannot accommodate different reference object positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adaptabilityVSAvoidpositioning implementation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the positioning system to automatically determine its own correction values through real-time measurement with the laser scanning unit. Instead of requiring manual pre-programming of fixed positioning parameters for different scenarios, the system autonomously measures distances and calculates appropriate position correction values, making it adaptable to different reference positions while maintaining ease of implementation through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting position correction values based on measured distances between components. Rather than using fixed positioning parameters, the system changes the positioning parameters (correction values) in real-time based on actual measurements, allowing adaptability to different reference positions while keeping the implementation simple through automated calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If traditional robot positioning methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates because traditional methods cannot achieve the required tolerance levels for component positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary (the laser scanning unit) between the robot arm and the components being positioned. This intermediary device专门化 for high-precision distance measurement enables the system to achieve required tolerance levels by providing accurate distance data, which the control unit then uses to calculate position correction values, overcoming the limitations of traditional robot positioning methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning methods with an optical measurement system (laser scanning unit). Instead of relying solely on mechanical robot arm precision, the system uses optical laser measurement to detect distances with high precision, then uses this information to calculate correction values, substituting mechanical precision requirements with optical measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 flexible and precise positioning of various components, regardless of their reference position, improving accuracy and allowing for dynamic adjustments, thereby reducing the risk of production errors and enhancing the connection of components through processes like welding.

Implementation Method 1

providing at least one laser scanning unit configured to detect a distance between the first component and the second component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP4385675A1Method for positioning a first component relative to a second component by a robot arm system
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 PERI GMBH
  • EP4385675A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4385675A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4385675A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for positioning a first component relative to a second component using a robot arm system, comprising: providing at least one first robot arm configured to hold a first component and move it relative to a second component, the robot arm further being configured to be moved in a coordinate-based manner; providing at least one laser scanning unit configured to detect a distance between the first component and the second component; picking up the first component with the first robot arm and moving the first component relative to the second component according to a coordinate-based calculated position; detecting a distance of the first component in its coordinate-based calculated position to the second component using the laser scanning unit; providing a position correction value based on the detected distance of the first component to the second component;Move at least one of the components to a final position based on the provided position correction value.