Robotic Apparel Material Placement With Image-Guided Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for constructing articles of apparel, such as footwear, are labor-intensive and inefficient, often resulting in inaccurate placement of materials due to manual application of components.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing system utilizing a multi-axis robot with receiving stations and image devices for precise application of secondary components to articles of apparel, including a flexible housing with a vacuum device for secure component handling and a computing system for synchronized bonding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual application of components is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical application with an automated robotic system that uses image-guided positioning and automated bonding mechanisms. The robot arm with end effector automatically applies components to the shoe last based on image data, eliminating manual placement while achieving high precision through automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates image capture and processing capabilities that automatically identify component positions and guide the robotic application process. The bonding apparatus automatically activates adhesives and applies pressure without manual intervention, allowing the system to self-regulate and self-correct for precise placement.
2Productivity
If manual application of components is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system integrates multiple functions into a single apparatus: image capture, image processing, component positioning, adhesive application, and pressure bonding. The end effector can perform multiple operations (positioning, bonding, pressing) without requiring separate manual steps, thereby increasing productivity despite the added complexity of the integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system enables continuous operation where the robotic arm can continuously pick up components, position them, and bond them to the shoe last without the breaks and repositioning required in manual processes. The system can operate continuously with consistent precision, maximizing productivity through uninterrupted automated manufacturing.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated robotic application is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an image capture and processing intermediary that serves as a bridge between the physical components and the robotic control system. The image data acts as an intermediary representation that guides the robotic arm's positioning and bonding operations, enabling high precision without requiring complex direct mechanical positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the component positions and shoe last geometry through image capture. This digital model is then used to guide the robotic application process, allowing the system to achieve precise placement by referencing the captured images rather than requiring complex pre-programmed coordinate systems or physical templates.
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 system enables efficient and accurate application of secondary components, improving the manufacturing efficiency and accuracy of articles of apparel by automating the placement and bonding of materials.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum device configured to create a vacuum within the flexible housing
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting system for post frame construction comprises a winch system coupled to a frame, a first bracket configured to be secured to a portion of a roof framing system, and a pulley system comprising at least two pulley wheels mounted on a second bracket. The frame is configured to be secured to a lower portion of a column of a building structure and the second bracket is configured to be secured to a top of the column.