Robotic Arm Gripping Device Automatic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handling apparatuses for metal stirrups and similar products require manual adjustment of gripping means, leading to inefficiencies and reduced precision, especially during production cycle changes, where dynamic actions can cause product deformations and slow down the production process.
Innovation Solution
A handling apparatus with a robotic arm and an adjustment station that allows for automatic adjustment of gripping devices along adjustment guides, using locking means that can be activated and deactivated by a control unit, enabling precise and quick reconfiguration without the need for additional actuators, ensuring a stable grip and minimizing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of gripping means is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and manufacturing precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm performs the adjustment of gripping means autonomously without requiring external manual intervention. The control system automatically calculates and executes the positioning movements, making the system self-sufficient in its adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm, originally designed for product handling, is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both product manipulation and adjustment of gripping means. This eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reduces overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of gripping means is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated robotic positioning. The robotic arm's controlled movement system, guided by computational algorithms, achieves higher positioning precision compared to manual operations while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor the positioning of gripping means and make real-time adjustments. This feedback mechanism ensures high precision positioning without requiring complex mechanical adjustment devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent adjustment of gripping means is required, then adaptability improves, but loss of time increases due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static manual adjustment to dynamic automated adjustment. The robotic arm can rapidly reposition gripping means in response to changing production requirements, enabling frequent adaptability changes without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system pre-calculates the optimal positioning of gripping means for different product types. When a production cycle change is required, the system has already prepared the adjustment parameters, allowing immediate execution without time-consuming manual measurements and calculations.
4Productivity
If robotic arm is used for product transfer, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is designed to perform multiple functions: product transfer, gripping means adjustment, and positioning. This multi-functionality increases productivity while avoiding the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The handling apparatus comprises a robotic arm (2) being mobile in a controlled manner to transfer at least one product at a time from a first operating station to a second operating station. The robotic arm (2) is provided with a gripping assembly (3) comprising a support frame (31 ) and at least one gripping device (32), for example of the gripper type, provided by the aforementioned support frame (31 ) and suitable for gripping and holding the product in correspondence of a respective portion. The support frame (31 ) comprises at least one adjustment guide (36), along which the gripping device (32) can be moved when the gripping device (32) is arranged in an unlocked condition, or locked when the gripping device (32) is arranged in a locked condition. The apparatus is associated with an adjustment station (5).