Robot End Effector Multi-Cartridge Continuous Deposition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 due to the small yield of commercial off-the-shelf cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A robot end effector with cartridge bays, a dispensing valve, and a plunger assembly, powered by an electric motor, allows for concurrent extrusion from multiple cartridges, eliminating the need for manual reloading and enabling continuous automated deposition.
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 the yield of extrudable substance is limited and frequent manual replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cartridge bays (typically 2-4) into a single end effector unit, allowing multiple cartridges to be held and operated simultaneously. This merging of multiple cartridge functions into one integrated unit enables parallel deposition operations, significantly improving productivity while maintaining the ability to use standard commercial cartridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with multiple cartridge bays pre-loaded with fresh cartridges while one cartridge is actively being used. This preliminary preparation of backup cartridges eliminates the need to pause for manual replacement, as the next cartridge is already in position and ready for immediate use when the current one is depleted.
2Ease of operation
If manual cartridge replacement is used, then flexibility is maintained, but automation is limited and downtime occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed with self-contained cartridge bays that automatically feed cartridges to the dispensing valve without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves itself by maintaining a ready supply of cartridges in the bays and automatically switching between them, eliminating downtime while preserving operational flexibility through programmable control.
3Device complexity
If single cartridge deposition is used, then simplicity is maintained, but continuous operation is interrupted and downtime occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the cartridge supply into multiple independent bays, each capable of holding and supplying a separate cartridge. This segmentation allows one cartridge to be depleted while others remain ready, enabling continuous operation by switching between segmented cartridge sources without interrupting the deposition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-bay cartridge system ensures continuous useful action by maintaining at least one ready-to-use cartridge in each bay. When one cartridge is depleted, the system immediately switches to the next available cartridge without interruption, maintaining continuous deposition operation and eliminating downtime associated with single-cartridge systems.
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 allows for uninterrupted, precise, and efficient deposition of extrudable substances from multiple cartridges, reducing downtime and enhancing manufacturing efficiency by enabling continuous operation without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The plunger assembly is arranged to concurrently extrude contents of the two-part cartridges through the cartridge outlets
Implementation Method 2
The manifold is configured to channel the extrudable substance from each of the retained two-part cartridges into the valve inlet of the dispensing valve
Implementation Method 3
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
Data Source
AI summary
A robot end effector for dispensing an extrudable substance comprises a chassis and cartridge bays, attached to the chassis and each shaped to receive a corresponding one of two-part cartridges. Robot end effector also comprises a dispensing valve, attached to the chassis and comprising a valve inlet and a valve outlet. The valve outlet is in selective fluidic communication with the valve inlet. Robot end effector further comprises a manifold, comprising a manifold outlet and manifold inlets, which are in fluidic communication with the manifold outlet. Robot end effector additionally comprises a plunger assembly, comprising pairs of plungers and arranged to concurrently extrude contents of the two-part cartridges through the cartridge outlets. Robot end effector also comprises an electric motor, attached to the chassis and configured to selectively move the plunger assembly relative to the chassis.