Robotic Fastener Assembly With Aligned Supports for Multi-Side Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems are limited in their ability to securely attach fasteners to all sides of a workpiece, as they typically rely on a fixed orientation and cannot efficiently access and secure components on multiple sides.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a robot, a spindle, and multiple supports that allow for precise positioning and stabilization of the workpiece, with a contact area aligned with the spindle's axis and additional supports providing orthogonal stabilization, enabling screws or other fasteners to be securely attached on all sides using pneumatic movement and control units for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed robotic system is used for fastener attachment, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot access and secure components on all sides of the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lightweight robot that can dynamically reposition itself to access fastening locations on all sides of the workpiece. The robot transitions from a static fixed system to a dynamic mobile system, enabling it to approach the workpiece from multiple directions and attach fasteners on all sides while maintaining operational simplicity through automated navigation and positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If a robot is used for positioning the workpiece, then positioning precision is improved, but the robot requires protective cages for operator safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pneumatic supports with contact areas less than 0.01 m² to stabilize the workpiece during fastener attachment. These pneumatic elements provide precise positioning and stabilization while maintaining a compact, lightweight structure that does not require protective cages, thereby achieving high positioning precision without compromising operator safety through bulky enclosures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a support with large contact area is used, then workpiece stability is improved, but the contact area interferes with the spindle's longitudinal axis alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple supports with small, localized contact areas (less than 0.01 m²) distributed at different positions on the workpiece. Each support provides localized stabilization at its specific contact point, while the collective arrangement of multiple such supports maintains overall workpiece stability without interfering with the spindle's longitudinal axis alignment, as each contact area is precisely positioned to avoid the fastening location.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (V) for interlockingly and/or frictionally connecting at least one workpiece (W) to at least one connection element, comprising at least one robot (1) for positioning the workpiece (W), at least one spindle (2) for connecting the connection element (S) to the workpiece (W), at least one support (31, 32, 33) for stabilising the workpiece (W) while the connection element (S) is connected to the workpiece (W), a contact region of the support (W), which is in contact with the workpiece (W) while the connection element is connected to the workpiece (W), being substantially in alignment with the spindle longitudinal axis (SA1), and the contact region being smaller than 0.01 m², in particular smaller than 0.0001 m². The invention also relates to a method for interlockingly and/or frictionally connecting at least one workpiece (W) to at least one connection element (S) by means of a device (V) of this kind.