Robot End-of-Arm Tool Adjuster for Multi-Tool Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Robot end-of-arm tools face challenges in accurately and variably positioning tooling on workpieces due to inconsistencies between theoretical and actual target positions, requiring labor-intensive re-teaching processes and causing downtime, especially with production and mechanical variability.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that interrogate actual target positions using cameras and adjust tools relative to theoretical positions by calculating variances, allowing simultaneous movement and alignment of tools to actual positions, utilizing a drive assembly and controller to correct positioning in real-time, enabling precise alignment without manual re-teaching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional teaching points process is used to position tools to actual versus theoretical positions, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the process becomes very labor intensive and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool positioning accuracyVSAvoidre-teaching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-adjustment by automatically detecting actual target positions and calculating variances, then autonomously adjusting tool positions without requiring manual intervention or traditional teaching processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors actual target positions and uses this feedback to automatically adjust tool positions, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains accuracy without manual re-teaching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If manual re-teaching is performed to correct positioning variability, then positioning accuracy is improved, but labor requirements and downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget position accuracyVSAvoidproduction downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting position variances and adjusting tool positions, eliminating the need for manual re-teaching and associated production downtime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical teaching processes with an automated optical detection and computational adjustment system, substituting human labor with automated sensing and control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tools are positioned independently to accommodate workpiece variability, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece position adaptabilityVSAvoidtool adjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple independent adjustment mechanisms into a coordinated system controlled by a single variance calculation algorithm, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions by simultaneously accommodating variations in different workpiece positions and orientations through a unified control approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10987809B2Rotary tool adjuster for robot with end of arm tool having multiple tools

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 T A SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A method of adjusting multiple tools on a common mount includes the interrogating first and second actual target positions on at least one workpiece. A variance is determined between the first and second actual target position and first and second theoretical target positions. At least one of the first and second tools is moved relative to the other of the first and second tools from the first and second theoretical target positions to a desired spacing respectively aligned with the first and second actual target positions.