Robotic Arm Interface Node for Reconfigurable Vehicle Fixturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle manufacturing fixtures are expensive, inflexible, and have a limited shelf life, leading to high costs and inefficiencies due to their bespoke nature, and there is a need for more adaptable and cost-effective solutions for component positioning in vehicle assembly.
Innovation Solution
An interface node for a robotic arm that includes various locating elements such as flat surfaces, holes, and cylindrical walls, allowing it to be used as a reconfigurable fixture for vehicle manufacturing, enabling precise alignment and support of components using a robotic arm's 6 degrees of freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If bespoke fixtures are used for locating vehicle components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface node is designed as a universal locating device that can accommodate multiple types of vehicle components through standardized locating elements (flat surfaces, cylindrical walls, holes). Instead of creating bespoke fixtures for each component type, the same interface node with configurable locating elements serves multiple functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating device is segmented into modular components: an attachment element for mounting to the robotic arm, and multiple interchangeable locating elements (flat surfaces, cylindrical walls, holes). This segmentation allows the system to achieve precise positioning without requiring a single complex bespoke fixture, as each locating element can be independently selected and configured based on the specific component requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If bespoke fixtures are manufactured with high accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to disposal after limited use
Solution Approach 1:
The interface node is designed as a durable, reusable universal fixture that can be used across multiple vehicle models and component types. The standardized locating elements and robust construction allow the same fixture to serve indefinitely rather than being discarded after a single use, eliminating the time loss associated with manufacturing and disposing of bespoke fixtures for each vehicle type.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding fixtures after limited use, the system recovers and reuses the interface node across multiple applications. The modular locating elements can be reconfigured for different components, extending the operational life of the fixture and eliminating the recurring costs and time losses associated with manufacturing new fixtures for each vehicle model.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bespoke fixtures are used for each vehicle component, then adaptability is reduced, but manufacturing precision is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The interface node provides high adaptability through its universal design that can locate various vehicle components including body panels, chassis parts, and interior components. The standardized locating elements (flat surfaces, cylindrical walls, holes) can be configured to accommodate different component geometries while maintaining manufacturing precision, allowing the same fixture to adapt to multiple vehicle types without sacrificing accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bespoke fixtures are manufactured for different components, then adaptability is improved for specific components, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing multiple bespoke fixtures for different vehicle components, the system uses a single universal interface node that can adapt to various component types. The standardized locating elements provide component-specific positioning capabilities while reducing the total number of fixtures required, thereby lowering device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
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.