Robot Jig Handling for Automated Polymer Pressing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for analyzing polymer characteristics impose a significant burden on operators due to the repetitive nature of pressing and evaluating polymers, necessitating a more automated and efficient approach.
Innovation Solution
A robot system comprising an end effector, an operation device, and a control device that assembles a workpiece by sandwiching a pressing-target object between two plate jigs and conveys it to a press position for automated pressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressing and evaluation of polymer is performed manually a plurality of times while changing condition parameters, then evaluation accuracy can be achieved, but operator burden increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the robot automatically performs pressing operations multiple times with different condition parameters without human intervention. The robot autonomously adjusts parameters, positions the polymer, executes pressing cycles, and evaluates results, eliminating the need for operators to manually repeat tedious pressing tasks while maintaining evaluation accuracy through consistent automated execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical pressing operation is replaced by an automated robot system that uses programmable motion control and force application. The robot substitutes human operators in performing repetitive mechanical pressing tasks, allowing for precise control of pressing parameters and elimination of operator fatigue while maintaining or improving evaluation consistency across multiple test cycles.
2Quantity of substance
If manual pressing operations are performed repeatedly with changing parameters, then comprehensive evaluation data can be obtained, but work efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system enables continuous automated pressing operations without interruption or idle time between test cycles. The system continuously performs pressing operations with different parameters, automatically transitions between test conditions, and maintains productive operation throughout the evaluation process, thereby generating comprehensive evaluation data at high speed and improving overall work efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system automatically changes pressing parameters (such as pressure, temperature, time, or position) between consecutive pressing operations according to a predetermined test sequence. This automated parameter variation allows the system to efficiently gather comprehensive evaluation data across multiple conditions without manual reconfiguration, significantly improving productivity while maintaining data quantity and quality.
3Ease of operation
If automated robot system is introduced for polymer pressing, then operator burden is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple tasks within a single integrated platform. The robot can handle polymer positioning, pressing operation execution, parameter adjustment, and result evaluation across different test conditions. This universal design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices or manual operations into one system, reducing operator burden while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
A control device acts as an intermediary between the robot and the pressing operations. The control device manages the complexity of coordinating robot motion, pressing force application, parameter changes, and evaluation processes. By introducing this intermediary control layer, the system separates the complexity of automation logic from the physical pressing operations, making the system easier to operate while maintaining the sophisticated automated functions needed to reduce operator burden.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system includes an end effector configured to hold a workpiece, an operation device connected to the end effector and configured to operate the end effector, and a control device configured to control an operation of the operation device. The control device controls: a step of assembling the workpiece in a form in which a pressing-target object is sandwiched by arranging the pressing-target object on a first plate jig arranged at a set position and thereafter placing a second plate jig on the first plate jig through operating the end effector; and a step of conveying the workpiece to press position at which the pressing-target object is pressed by holding the pressing-target object, the first plate jig, and the second plate jig altogether as the workpiece with the end effector.