Robot Tactile Measurement Compensation Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tactile and optical measuring systems for industrial applications are costly, require significant programming and support, and are limited in flexibility and functionality, especially when dealing with fluctuating or shiny surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A tactile measuring system incorporating a compensation unit with measuring elements and an evaluation system that provides flexible and cost-effective measurement capabilities by compensating for deflections and offsets, allowing for precise dimensional checks without the need for extensive calibration or specialized equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional tactile measuring systems (gantry machines) are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A compensation unit is introduced as an intermediary between the robot and the measuring element. This compensation unit compensates for positioning deviations and enables precise tactile measurements using a robot, thereby resolving the contradiction between using simple robots and achieving high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measuring systems (gantry machines) with a robot-based system equipped with a compensation unit. This substitution maintains measurement capability while reducing device complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If specialized measuring robots are used, then cost is reduced compared to gantry machines, but functionality and handling flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidfunctionality and handling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation unit is designed to be universally applicable with standard robot interfaces, enabling a single robot system to perform both manufacturing tasks and measurement tasks. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between cost reduction and maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If optical measurement methods (cameras) are used, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates on fluctuating or glossy surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation unit acts as an intermediary that enables tactile measurement with robots, combining the speed advantages of automated systems with the surface-independent accuracy of tactile sensing, thereby resolving the contradiction between optical speed and tactile accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If traditional measuring systems are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but programming and maintenance effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidprogramming and maintenance effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation unit incorporates sensors that detect positioning deviations and provide feedback to the control system. This automatic feedback mechanism reduces the need for complex programming and manual calibration, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables efficient, flexible, and cost-effective measurement of components, allowing for quick adaptation to various tasks and surfaces, with the ability to detect tolerances in all spatial directions and rotational degrees of freedom, facilitating inline corrections and adjustments in manufacturing processes.

Implementation Method 1

a measuring function or a measuring functionality can be provided by reading or evaluating a deflection of the compensation unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeflection: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3507568B1System and method for tactile measurement of a measurement object and use of said system
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP3507568B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring system comprising a compensating unit for a robot, wherein a measuring element is connected or can be connected to the compensating unit such that a measurement function can be provided by evaluating a deflection of the compensating unit.