Robot Conveyor Synchronization via Dynamic Waiting Positions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial robots face kinematic limitations when conveyors stop, leading to incomplete tasks due to pre-programmed waiting positions that are time-consuming to set up and may result in abrupt paint spraying or application issues.
Innovation Solution
A method to dynamically create waiting positions for industrial robots, allowing them to adjust their position based on conveyor speed deviations, suspend and resume paint spraying smoothly, and eliminate the need for pre-programmed waiting positions, thereby reducing production preparation time and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-programmed waiting positions are included in the robot movement program, then the robot can handle conveyor stoppages, but the placement of these positions requires considerable work and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic waiting positions that are automatically adjusted based on real-time conveyor position feedback. Instead of static pre-programmed positions, the system continuously calculates optimal waiting positions during operation, allowing the robot to adapt to conveyor stoppages without requiring manual programming adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system automatically determines and adjusts its own waiting positions based on conveyor status, eliminating the need for programmer intervention. The control system monitors conveyor position and autonomously modifies the robot's movement program to accommodate stoppages, making the system self-adjusting rather than requiring external reprogramming.
2Reliability
If explicit waiting positions are pre-programmed, then the robot can pause during conveyor stoppages, but this increases the complexity of the movement program
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically generates and manages waiting positions without requiring programmer input. The robot's control system monitors conveyor position and autonomously determines when and where to pause, simplifying the programming process while maintaining the ability to handle stoppages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from conveyor position sensors to dynamically adjust robot movement. The control system continuously monitors actual conveyor position and adjusts waiting positions accordingly, eliminating the need for complex pre-programmed sequences and reducing program complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the robot halts at the next point where paint is switched off, then paint application quality is preserved, but if paint is on at all points, the robot continues spraying and causes excessive paint application
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors conveyor position and robot task progress in real-time. When a conveyor stoppage is detected, the control system uses feedback information to determine the optimal point to halt paint application, preventing both excessive painting and maintaining quality by resuming at the correct position.
Solution Approach 2:
The paint application control is dynamically adjusted based on real-time conveyor status. Instead of static halt points, the system continuously adapts the paint application state (on/off) based on actual conveyor position and robot task progress, preventing excessive paint application while maintaining quality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
It is presented a method for controlling a robot performing movements according to a control program. The method comprises the steps of: determining that a speed of a conveyor for moving a work object for the robot has deviated from a nominal speed; as a response to the determining that the speed of the conveyor has deviated, creating a new waiting position in the control program; effecting the waiting position for the robot; and resuming the control program such that the control program continues when the work object is in a position corresponding to the new waiting position. A corresponding control system, robot and computer program product are also presented. It is presented a method for controlling a robot performing movements according to a control program. The method comprises the steps of: determining that a conveyor for moving a work object for the robot has stopped; as a response to the determining that the conveyor has stopped, creating a new waiting position in the control program; suspending movement of the robot when the control program has reached the new waiting position; and as a response to determining that the conveyor is operational, resuming the control program such that the control program continues when the work object is in a position corresponding to the new waiting position. A corresponding control system, robot and computer program product are also presented.