Robotic Arm Interface Node for Reconfigurable Vehicle Fixturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixtures for vehicle manufacture are expensive, inflexible, and have a limited 'shelf life', leading to high non-recurring and recurring costs, as well as disposal costs, due to their bespoke nature and limited adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable interface node for a robotic arm, equipped with various locating elements such as flat surfaces, cylindrical walls, holes, and cups, allows the robotic arm to be used as a versatile fixture for vehicle assembly, enabling precise positioning and support of vehicle components in six degrees of freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If bespoke fixtures are designed and manufactured for each vehicle component, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The interface node is designed as a universal fixture that can locate multiple different vehicle components through various locating elements (flat surface, cylindrical wall, conical cup, holes) on a single body, eliminating the need for multiple bespoke fixtures while maintaining precise location accuracy for different component features
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture functionality is segmented into separate locating elements (flat surface for faces, cylindrical wall for edges, conical cup for cones, holes for points) that can be selectively used based on the specific component feature being located, allowing a single interface node to handle diverse locating requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If bespoke fixtures are manufactured for specific vehicle designs, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The interface node serves multiple vehicle designs and component types through its array of locating elements, providing both precise location accuracy and long-term adaptability by eliminating the need to manufacture new fixtures for each vehicle design iteration
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture transitions from a static, design-specific configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where the robotic arm can selectively position and use different locating elements on the interface node based on the specific component being assembled, enabling continuous adaptability across different vehicle designs
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple bespoke fixtures are used for different vehicle components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to disposal costs
Solution Approach 1:
A single interface node replaces multiple disposable bespoke fixtures by providing universal locating capabilities for different vehicle components, eliminating the need to manufacture and subsequently dispose of multiple single-use fixtures, thereby reducing material waste and disposal costs while maintaining precise component location
Data Source
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AI summary
An interface node for enabling a robotic arm to be used as a reconfigurable fixture for vehicle manufacture is described. The interface node comprises an attachment element for attaching the interface node to the robotic arm. The interface node also comprises a first locating element, the first locating element comprising a flat surface wherein the flat surface is suitable for locating a first feature of a component of a vehicle wherein the first feature comprises a face of a component of a vehicle. The interface node further comprises a wall extending from and substantially around the flat surface, the wall connecting the flat surface to the attachment element wherein the wall defines a second locating element, the second locating element suitable for locating a second feature of a component of a vehicle.