Robot End Effector for Continuous Two-Part Cartridge Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The automation of extrudable substance deposition in assembly processes, such as for solar panels or aircraft components, is hindered by the frequent need to pause and reload commercial off-the-shelf two-part cartridges, which yield limited amounts of substance, disrupting continuous automated processes.
Innovation Solution
A robot end effector with cartridge bays and a static mixer that allows for the selective positioning and pressure distribution of two-part cartridges, enabling continuous automated deposition without manual intervention by aligning cartridge outlets with the mixer inlet and using compressed air to extrude the substance from multiple cartridges sequentially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If commercial off-the-shelf two-part cartridges are used to reduce cost, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to frequent manual reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into multiple cartridge bays (first cartridge bay, second cartridge bay, etc.), each capable of holding a separate two-part cartridge. This segmentation allows the system to use simple, inexpensive commercial cartridges while maintaining continuous operation through automated cartridge selection and switching between multiple bays.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cartridges are pre-loaded into the cartridge bays before the deposition process begins. The control system pre-configures which cartridge should be used next, enabling automated switching without manual intervention. This preliminary preparation eliminates downtime between cartridge changes and maintains continuous productivity.
2Device complexity
If a single two-part cartridge is used, then device complexity is minimized, but loss of time increases due to frequent pausing for reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous deposition action by automatically switching between multiple cartridges loaded in different bays. When one cartridge is depleted, the control system automatically selects and switches to the next cartridge without pausing the deposition process, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous useful action.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge bay assembly is made movable and reconfigurable, allowing dynamic switching between different cartridge positions. The system can adaptively select which cartridge bay to use based on the deposition requirements, enabling flexible and continuous operation without fixed cartridge limitations.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual cartridge replacement is implemented, then manufacturing precision is maintained through direct control, but productivity decreases due to frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated cartridge selection and switching without requiring manual intervention. The control system automatically monitors cartridge status, selects the appropriate next cartridge, and switches between bays autonomously, maintaining both precision through controlled operation and productivity through continuous automated deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge bay assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism between the simple commercial cartridges and the deposition system. It enables automated cartridge management and switching, bridging the gap between simple cartridge design and sophisticated automated operation, thereby maintaining precision while eliminating manual reloading interruptions.
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 uninterrupted, automated deposition of extrudable substances from multiple two-part cartridges, reducing the need for manual reloading and optimizing the use of commercial off-the-shelf cartridges, thereby enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a head assembly, comprising pairs of fittings. Each of the pairs of fittings is configured to selectively supply compressed air from a pressure source to contents of a corresponding one of the two-part cartridges
Implementation Method 2
The static mixer comprises a mixer inlet and a mixer outlet, which is in fluidic communication with the mixer inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A robot end effector (100) for dispensing an extrudable substance (102) comprises a chassis (110), a static mixer (101), and cartridge bays (122), extending from the chassis (110). Each of the cartridge bays (122) is shaped to receive a corresponding one of the two-part cartridges (104). Fluidic communication between the selected one of the two-part cartridges (104) and the static mixer (101) is established when the cartridge bays (122) are moved to a predetermined position with respect to the chassis (110). The robot end effector (100) comprises a dispensing valve (130), attached to the chassis (110), and a head assembly (150), comprising pairs of fittings (152). Each of the pairs of fittings (152) is configured to selectively supply compressed air from a pressure source (199) to contents of a corresponding one of the two-part cartridges (104).