Vision-Guided Robotic Arm Positioning for Precise Part Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing methods for precise component placement and insertion rely on human operators, leading to potential errors due to human fatigue and inaccuracies in long chains of spatial calculations used by robotic systems.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method and system for automated part insertion using image analysis and robotic arms, where images of components, parts, and insertion devices are analyzed to determine precise coordinates, allowing for accurate placement and insertion without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual methods are used for component placement, then dexterity and fine manipulation are achieved, but human error and fatigue cause inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement accuracyVSAvoidconsistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system that uses image analysis and coordinate transformation algorithms to achieve precise component placement. The system substitutes human dexterity with automated vision-guided positioning, eliminating human error while maintaining placement accuracy through computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If long chains of spatial calculations are used in robotic systems, then automated positioning is achieved, but accumulation of errors reduces accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated positioningVSAvoidfinal position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spatial calculation process into distinct coordinate transformation stages, each handling a specific aspect of position mapping. By breaking down the complex chain of spatial calculations into manageable segments with clearly defined transformation relationships, the system reduces error propagation while maintaining automated positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through image analysis that captures the actual positions of components and robotic elements, then uses this visual information to correct and refine position calculations. This feedback loop compensates for accumulated errors in the spatial calculation chain by continuously comparing calculated positions with visually verified positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If robotic arms are used for automated insertion, then productivity increases, but complexity of motion control and positioning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion speedVSAvoidmotion control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces image analysis and coordinate transformation systems as intermediaries between the robotic arm's motion control and the target component positions. This intermediary layer simplifies the control complexity by providing a visual reference framework that automatically translates complex spatial relationships into straightforward positioning commands, enabling high-speed automated insertion without proportionally increasing control system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12240130B2System and method for automated movement of a robotic arm

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A positioning system is provided for insertions and placements with increased accuracy and precision for the placement and insertion of components into elements. The system may utilize one or more sensors to provide individual images or data for each individual insertion of components into elements. The system may use known information to compare the individual images or data to provide increased accuracy and precision for insertion of components into elements.