Robotic Component Assembly With Retractable Pin Fixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing systems require multiple part locating fixtures for variously sized and shaped parts, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for frequent modifications and retooling during model changes.
Innovation Solution
A component assembly system utilizing robot arms with end-of-arm tools and a fixture with retractable pins to align and join subcomponents without releasing them, allowing for flexible assembly of components with complex shapes and varying sizes without physical retooling, enabling electronic reprogramming for model changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple part locating fixtures are used for variously sized and shaped parts, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases and productivity decreases due to frequent retooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal part locating fixture that can accommodate variously sized and shaped parts through a standardized interface system. The fixture includes a base plate with multiple locating pins of different configurations and a set of interchangeable clamping mechanisms that can be adjusted to fit different part geometries. This multi-functional design allows a single fixture to replace multiple specialized fixtures, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision across different part types.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements including movable locating pins, adjustable clamping forces, and repositionable support surfaces. These dynamic features allow the fixture to adapt its configuration to match different part sizes and shapes without requiring physical retooling, thereby maintaining precision while reducing the number of fixed fixtures needed in the manufacturing system.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple part locating fixtures are used for variously sized and shaped parts, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of time increases due to frequent modifications and retooling
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is pre-configured with multiple locating pins and clamping mechanisms in various positions and orientations during setup. Digital templates or programmable controls store the optimal configurations for different part types. When a new part type is introduced, the system can quickly retrieve pre-programmed settings or automatically calculate optimal pin positions, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual retooling while maintaining precise location accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed pins and clamps are used in part locating fixtures, then manufacturing precision is achieved, but adaptability decreases for differently sized and shaped parts
Solution Approach 1:
The locating fixture is divided into modular segments including separate locating pin assemblies, independent clamping mechanisms, and adjustable support elements. Each segment can be independently positioned, removed, or reconfigured to accommodate different part geometries. This segmentation allows the system to maintain precise location control through standardized pin interfaces while adapting to various part sizes and shapes by reconfiguring the modular components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling a component includes gripping a first subcomponent with a first end-of-arm tool and grasping a second subcomponent with a second end-of-arm tool. The first tool is attached to a first robot arm and the first subcomponent defines a first plurality of locating holes. The second tool is attached to a second robot arm and the second subcomponent defines a second plurality of locating holes. After grasping, the method includes aligning at least one of the first locating holes adjacent to at least one of the second locating holes to set an initial position of the second subcomponent with respect to the first subcomponent without releasing the first and second subcomponents. After aligning, the method includes forming a joint between the first and second subcomponents with a joining tool attached to a joining robot arm to thereby assemble the component. A component assembly system is also disclosed.