Robotic Assembly with Projected Visual Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual interventions in the assembly process of components to structures often lead to errors in alignment and improper assembly, resulting in costly re-work, component failures, and warranty issues due to the increased chances of errors in alignment and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system that uses a controller to determine the location for component placement on a structure, activates a light source to project a visual indicator, and actuates a robotic implement to accurately position the component based on the visual indicator, thereby automating the assembly process and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used in the assembling process, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but alignment precision and assembly accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system that uses optical projection (light source projecting visual indicators) to guide component placement. The robotic implement automatically positions components based on projected visual indicators, eliminating manual alignment while maintaining precision through optical-mechanical guidance systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a visual indicator (projected light pattern) as an intermediary between the control system and the robotic implement. This visual indicator serves as a mediator that guides the robotic system's positioning, enabling precise alignment without direct manual intervention. The visual indicator translates complex positioning data into intuitive visual cues for the robotic system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is used in the assembling process, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but assembly accuracy and error reduction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic system where the visual indicator can be reconfigured for different assembly configurations, and the robotic implement can adapt its positioning accordingly. The system dynamically adjusts the projected visual indicators and robotic movements based on the specific component and structure being assembled, enabling high adaptability while maintaining consistent accuracy through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors the robotic implement's positioning and the visual indicator's projection, allowing real-time adjustments to maintain accuracy. The controller receives feedback about the assembly state and adjusts the visual indicator and robotic movements accordingly, ensuring high reliability across different assembly configurations.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated robotic system is used, then assembly precision and error reduction are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the robotic system with multi-functional capabilities, where a single robotic implement can perform multiple assembly operations, and the visual indicator system can guide various types of component placements. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high precision across different assembly tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical projection to create a visual copy or representation of the desired component placement on the structure. This projected visual indicator serves as a simplified interface that translates complex positioning data into intuitive visual patterns, reducing the complexity of controlling the robotic system while maintaining precise positioning accuracy.
4Productivity
If automated robotic system is used, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but initial setup and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary setup of the visual indicator system and robotic programing before actual assembly operations begin. The visual indicator patterns and robotic paths are pre-configured based on assembly specifications, allowing the system to execute high-speed, high-precision assembly operations without complex real-time calculations, thereby improving productivity while managing system complexity through advance preparation.
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
The system significantly reduces assembly errors, minimizes re-work, and enhances assembly efficiency by ensuring precise alignment and placement of components, thereby reducing the risk of component or structural failures and improving customer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
activating a light source to project a visual indicator onto the location
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembling a component to a structure includes determining, by a controller, a location on the structure for a placement of the component onto the structure. The method further includes activating, by the controller, a light source to project a visual indicator onto the location. The method also includes actuating, by the controller, a robotic implement to locate and position the component at the location based on the visual indicator projected onto the location.