Automated Robot Selection for Welding Spot Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods require excessive worker-hours for manually selecting robots for welding operations, as there is no automated technique to determine if a robot can perform welding on a welding spot without contact between the welding gun and the workpiece.
Innovation Solution
A robot selection method and apparatus that automatically select a robot for welding by comparing the cross section of the welding gun with the workpiece, and if contact is unavoidable, it selects a substitution robot from the same or different working station capable of performing the welding operation without contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual verification/selection operation is performed for each welding spot, then robot selection accuracy is ensured, but excessive worker-hours are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic robot selection through self-service mechanisms where the robot selection unit autonomously determines the appropriate robot for each welding spot by comparing welding gun cross-sections with workpiece cross-sections, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining selection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical verification process with an automated computational system that uses cross-section comparison algorithms to determine robot compatibility, substituting human operators with automated software-based selection mechanisms
2Loss of time
If automated robot selection is implemented, then worker-hours are reduced, but complexity of determining welding capability without contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The welding capability determination process is segmented into distinct computational steps: acquiring cross-section data of the welding gun and workpiece, comparing their geometries, and determining contact conditions. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by breaking down the determination process into manageable modular operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cross-section data as an intermediary element that mediates between the physical welding gun/workpiece and the automated selection system. By comparing these 2D representations rather than directly analyzing 3D geometries, the system reduces computational complexity while maintaining accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If substitution robot selection is performed from different working stations, then the number of options increases, but selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substitution robot selection process is made dynamic by allowing the system to adaptively search across different working stations based on availability and compatibility. The selection criteria dynamically adjust to consider robots from various stations, increasing versatility while the automated nature manages the associated complexity
Data Source
AI summary
After selecting a robot for carrying out a welding operation at a given welding spot, the cross-section of a welding gun with which that robot is provided and the cross-section of a workpiece at the welding spot are compared. Furthermore, a determination is made as to whether or not welding is possible without the welding gun and the workpiece coming into contact. When it is determined to be impossible, a substitute robot for carrying out the welding of the welding spot is selected. With the present invention, the automatic selection of the robot for carrying out the welding operation for the welding spot becomes possible. Therefore, the number of steps for robot selection can be reduced.