High-Density Robotic Cell With Single-Function End Effectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems for fastener installation in aircraft assembly are complex, large, and require more space and maintenance, leading to lower production efficiency and increased takt times due to their multifunctionality and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A high-density robotic system with single-function end effectors that provide single-sided clamp-up capabilities, allowing for concurrent performance of multiple tasks at different locations, reducing the need for complex multifunctional end effectors and enabling efficient switching between tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multifunction end effectors are used to perform multiple tasks (clamping, drilling, inspection, fastener insertion), then the capability to perform various operations is improved, but the device complexity and size increase, requiring more volumetric space and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the multifunctional end effector into separate single-function end effectors (clamping end effector, drilling end effector, inspection end effector, fastener insertion end effector). Each end effector is assigned to a specific robotic device, eliminating the complexity of integrating multiple functions into one device while maintaining the capability to perform all required operations through coordinated action of specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multifunction end effectors are used to perform multiple tasks, then operational versatility is improved, but maintenance time increases, slowing down production rates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into separate single-function end effectors, maintenance can be performed on individual components independently. This reduces maintenance time compared to multifunctional end effectors where maintenance of one function may require disassembly or interference with other functions. The simplified structure of single-function end effectors also makes them easier and faster to service.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger robotic systems are used to accommodate multifunction end effectors, then operational capability is improved, but the density of robotic devices that can be positioned in a given space decreases, limiting concurrent operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces large multifunctional end effectors with smaller single-function end effectors. This segmentation reduces the volumetric space required for each robotic device, allowing higher density positioning of multiple robotic devices within the same workspace. Consequently, more operations can be performed concurrently by multiple compact robotic devices working in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from vertical stacking of functions within a single large end effector to a distributed spatial arrangement where multiple small end effectors are positioned at different locations. This dimensional redistribution allows concurrent operations at multiple points simultaneously, increasing overall system throughput without requiring each individual device to be large.
4Device complexity
If fewer robotic devices are used with multifunction end effectors, then device count is reduced, but takt times increase and production efficiency decreases due to lower density and sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments operations into multiple specialized robotic devices, each performing a specific function. While this increases the number of devices compared to a single multifunctional robot, it enables parallel execution of multiple operations simultaneously. The overall production efficiency improves because concurrent operations reduce total cycle time, compensating for the increased device count.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for performing automated operations, such as installing fasteners at a plurality of locations along a joint, using a high-density robotic cell. A plurality of different tasks for a fastener installation operation is performed concurrently at selected locations of the plurality of locations using a plurality of single function end effectors positioned relative to the selected locations in a high-density setup.