Robot Manipulator Automatic Alignment via Signal Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning robot manipulators in production lines rely on manual control, leading to inaccuracies due to human error and limited precision of machine vision, lacking an automated alignment solution.
Innovation Solution
An automatic alignment system using signal receiving and transmitting elements mounted on the robot manipulator and near the target workpiece, with a controller determining the relative position of these elements to guide the robot to precise alignment without complex path calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control methods (controller or teach pendant) are used to move the robot manipulator to the target location, then the operation is simple and easy to implement, but the alignment precision is low due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automatic signal-based control system. Signal transmitting elements emit signals that are received by signal receiving elements mounted on the robot manipulator, automatically guiding the robot to the target location without manual intervention, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining ease of operation through simple signal transmission and reception mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The robot manipulator equips itself with signal receiving elements that automatically detect signal variations from transmitting elements to determine its position and orientation relative to the target workpiece. This self-service mechanism enables the robot to autonomously align itself without external manual control, achieving high precision while simplifying the operation process
2Manufacturing precision
If auxiliary machine vision is used to confirm the location of the robot manipulator, then the alignment precision is improved, but the system complexity increases and automation is not achieved since manual operation is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex machine vision systems with a simpler signal transmission and reception mechanism. Signal transmitting elements emit signals that are directly received by signal receiving elements on the robot, providing precise location information through signal variations without requiring complex image processing or vision algorithms, thus achieving high precision with reduced system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal transmitting elements as intermediaries between the target workpiece and the robot manipulator. These elements emit signals that mediate the communication of position and orientation information to the robot's receiving elements, enabling precise alignment through a simple intermediary mechanism rather than complex direct observation systems
3Ease of manufacture
If manual operation is used to move the robot manipulator, then the system is simple to implement, but automation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The robot manipulator is equipped with signal receiving elements that enable it to autonomously detect signal variations from transmitting elements and automatically adjust its position and orientation to align with the target workpiece. This self-service capability achieves full automation while maintaining simplicity in implementation through straightforward signal transmission and reception mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where signal receiving elements continuously monitor signal variations from transmitting elements, providing real-time position and orientation information to the robot's control system. This feedback enables automatic adjustment and alignment without manual intervention, achieving automation while keeping the system simple through direct signal-based feedback rather than complex sensing systems
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic alignment system of a robot manipulator is provided. The automatic alignment system includes a signal transmission module and a controller. The signal transmission module includes a first signal receiving and transmitting element and a second signal receiving and transmitting element. The first signal receiving and transmitting element is mounted on the robot manipulator. The second signal receiving and transmitting element is disposed neighboring to a target workpiece. A signal is transported between the signal receiving and transmitting elements. The controller is electrically connected with the signal transmission module for receiving the signal outputted from the signal transmission module. The controller acquires a relative position between the first signal receiving and transmitting element and the second signal receiving and transmitting element according to a variation in the signal. The controller controls the robot manipulator to be automatically aligned to the target workpiece in accordance with the relative position.