Robotic Guide Placement for Reconfigurable 3D Jig Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated construction and manufacturing processes face inefficiencies due to the need for multiple custom jigs and the inability to dynamically reconfigure workspaces, limiting flexibility and customization in constructing complex three-dimensional structures.
Innovation Solution
A control system that programmatically positions and reconfigures guide end effectors to form a dynamic three-dimensional jig, allowing robotic devices to create customized work surfaces and reposition them as needed for various tasks within a worksite, eliminating the need for multiple jigs and enabling in-situ construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple custom jigs are used for different tasks, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single robotic device with interchangeable end effectors that can perform multiple functions. Instead of using multiple custom jigs for different tasks, the system uses one robotic device that can be configured with different end effectors (grippers, welders, drills, etc.) to handle various manufacturing operations, thereby maintaining precision while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the robotic system reconfigurable through interchangeable end effectors. The system can dynamically adapt its configuration based on the specific task requirements, allowing it to transition between different manufacturing operations without requiring fixed, task-specific jigs, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple custom jigs are used for different tasks, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by replacing multiple custom jigs with a single universal robotic device. The robotic system serves multiple functions through its interchangeable end effectors, eliminating the need for numerous specialized devices and simplifying the overall manufacturing setup while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple custom jigs into a single robotic device. By combining various manufacturing capabilities (gripping, welding, drilling, etc.) into one reconfigurable system, the patent reduces the total number of devices required and simplifies the manufacturing environment
3Ease of operation
If fixed jigs are used for construction tasks, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed jigs to a dynamically reconfigurable robotic system. The robotic device can adapt its configuration through interchangeable end effectors to suit different construction tasks, maintaining ease of operation through automated control while significantly improving adaptability to various construction requirements
4Device complexity
If robotic devices use fixed end effectors, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the end effector configuration changeable rather than fixed. The robotic device can swap between different end effectors based on task requirements, maintaining relatively simple device architecture while achieving high adaptability through this dynamic reconfiguration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the end effector function into separate, interchangeable components. Instead of a fixed monolithic end effector, the system uses modular end effectors that can be independently selected and attached based on the specific construction task, enabling adaptability without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations may relate to providing a dynamic jig in a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system. Specifically, a control system may (i) receive task data specifying a manipulation of one or more parts at a specified location; (ii) determine: (a) one or more work surfaces and (b) a first position of each of the one or more work surfaces, such that the one or more work surfaces collectively provide a jig to facilitate the specified manipulation of the parts; (iii) a plurality of guide end effectors that are positionable by one or more robotic devices such that the end effectors provide the work surfaces at the respectively determined first positions; and (iv) operate the one or more robotic devices to position the guide end effectors to provide the one or more work surfaces at the respectively determined first positions, thereby forming the jig from the one or more work surfaces.