Robot End Effector Manifold 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 replace empty two-part cartridges, limiting efficiency and increasing costs due to the use of commercial off-the-shelf cartridges that yield small amounts of material.
Innovation Solution
A robot end effector with cartridge bays, a dispensing valve, and a manifold system that enables concurrent extrusion of extrudable substances from multiple cartridges through static mixers and compressed air distribution, allowing for continuous automated deposition without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If commercial off-the-shelf two-part cartridges are used, then cost is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to frequent cartridge replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the deposition function into multiple independent cartridge bays (first bay, second bay, third bay), each capable of holding and dispensing from separate two-part cartridges. This segmentation allows one cartridge to be replaced while others continue operating, eliminating the need to pause the entire deposition process for cartridge replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold system maintains continuous fluidic communication with multiple cartridges simultaneously, enabling uninterrupted extrusion of extradable substance. When one cartridge is depleted, the system can seamlessly switch to another cartridge without stopping the deposition process, ensuring continuous useful action.
2Productivity
If multiple cartridges are used to increase material yield, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold serves multiple functions: it provides fluidic communication with multiple cartridge bays, distributes compressed air to multiple cartridges through the head assembly, and enables switching between cartridges. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle multiple cartridges without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection between multiple cartridges and the dispensing valve. Instead of requiring complex individual connections for each cartridge, the manifold provides a centralized distribution system that manages fluidic and pneumatic connections efficiently.
3Extent of automation
If automated deposition is implemented, then labor cost is reduced, but operational interruptions increase due to manual cartridge replacement
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cartridges are pre-loaded into the cartridge bays before the deposition process begins. This preliminary action ensures that when one cartridge is depleted, replacement cartridges are already in position and can be activated immediately without requiring manual intervention or system pause.
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
This solution enables uninterrupted and efficient deposition of extrudable substances, reducing downtime and manufacturing costs by allowing continuous operation with commercial off-the-shelf two-part cartridges, enhancing the automation of assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
head assembly, comprising pairs of fittings, configured to selectively supply compressed air from a pressure source to the two-part cartridges when the two-part cartridges are received by the cartridge bays, so that contents of the two-part cartridges are concurrently extruded through the cartridge outlets
Implementation Method 2
manifold, comprising a manifold outlet and manifold inlets, which are in fluidic communication with the manifold outlet. The manifold outlet is in fluidic communication with the valve inlet. When the two-part cartridges are received by the cartridge bays, the manifold inlets are in fluidic communication with corresponding ones of the two-part cartridges via static mixers
Data Source
AI summary
A robot end effector for dispensing an extrudable substance comprises a chassis, cartridge bays, attached to the chassis and each shaped to receive a corresponding one of two-part cartridges, and a manifold, comprising a manifold outlet, manifold inlets, and a valve inlet. When the two-part cartridges are received by the cartridge bays, the manifold inlets are in fluidic communication with corresponding ones of the two-part cartridges via static mixers, attached to cartridge outlets of the two-part cartridges. The robot end effector additionally comprises a head assembly, comprising pairs of fittings, configured to selectively supply compressed air from a pressure source to the two-part cartridges when the two-part cartridges are received by the cartridge bays, so that contents of the two-part cartridges are concurrently extruded through the cartridge outlets.