Robot Screwdriving Tool With Independent Axial Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated systems for screw connections are limited by the kinematic performance and positioning accuracy of articulated arm robots, leading to increased cycle times and potential jamming of screw blades during retraction.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize an articulated arm robot to rotate a screwdriving tool, combined with a linear drive unit to independently displace the screw blade along the effector axis, allowing for faster and more precise screw driving without relying on the robot's kinematics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the articulated arm robot is used to drive the screwdriving tool through infinite rotation and simultaneous feed, then the screwdriving process can be automated, but the cycle time is limited by the kinematic performance and positioning accuracy of the robot
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the screwdriving function into two independent parts: the articulated arm robot handles only the rotational driving of the screw blade through the output element, while the linear drive unit independently handles the axial feed movement of the screwdriving tool. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without being constrained by the other's kinematic limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The screwdriving tool unit acts as an intermediary mechanism that couples the rotational output of the articulated arm robot with the linear feed movement provided by the linear drive unit. The tool unit integrates these two independent movements to achieve the combined screwdriving action, effectively mediating between the robot's rotational capability and the required linear feed.
2Ease of operation
If the articulated arm robot performs simultaneous rotation and feed movement, then screwdriving can be achieved, but positioning accuracy and kinematic performance limit the operation speed
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the rotation function (handled by the articulated arm robot through the output element) from the feed function (handled by the linear drive unit). This segmentation allows the linear drive unit to operate at high speeds independent of the robot's kinematic constraints, thereby increasing overall operation speed while maintaining screwdriving capability.
3Extent of automation
If the screwdriving tool is retracted by the articulated arm robot after screwdriving, then the tool can be positioned for the next operation, but jamming of the screw blade with the screw head can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction function is assigned to the linear drive unit rather than the articulated arm robot. This segmentation allows the linear drive unit to precisely control the retraction movement, ensuring the screw blade is fully retracted from the screw head without jamming, while the robot remains stationary or moves to the next position independently.
4Productivity
If the screw blade is fed by the articulated arm robot during screwdriving, then the process can be continuous, but the feed speed is limited by the robot's kinematic performance
Solution Approach 1:
The feed function is separated from the robot and assigned to the linear drive unit. This segmentation enables the linear drive unit to provide high-speed axial feed movement independent of the robot's kinematic limitations, thereby increasing feed speed while maintaining continuous screwdriving operation.
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 faster and more robust screw driving operations, reducing cycle times and minimizing the risk of screw blade jamming by decoupling the screw blade's displacement from the articulated arm robot's movements.
Implementation Method 1
A linear drive unit is mounted on the end member and comprises a working element which can be driven to an axial displacement parallel to the effector axis
Implementation Method 2
The fastener is connected to the profile shaft by means of a rotary bearing, so that the profile shaft can be displaced along the effector axis by means of the linear drive unit
Implementation Method 3
the profile shaft and the hub are connected to each other in a form-fitting manner in the circumferential direction
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the automated production of screw connections. An articulated arm robot has an output element and an end member. A screwdriving tool unit is rotatable about an effector axis via the output element. A profile shaft with a screw blade arranged at the end of it and a hub. The profile shaft and the hub are connected to each other in a form-fitting manner in the circumferential direction. The profile shaft can be displaced along the effector axis relative to the hub. A linear drive unit is mounted at the end member and comprises a working element which can be driven to an axial displacement parallel to the effector axis. A fastener is rigidly connected to the working element and connected to the profile shaft by a rotary bearing so that the profile shaft can be displaced along the effector axis by the linear drive unit.