Robotic Hinge Fitting for Joinery with Sensor-Based Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing hinge components on joinery elements, particularly for tilt-and-turn windows, are difficult to automate, requiring manual intervention and are not compatible with different shapes and dimensions, leading to inefficiencies and risks of error.
Innovation Solution
An automated hinge-fitting station using robotic handling means with a gripping member, clamping device, and position sensor to precisely align and attach first and second hinge components on joinery elements, allowing for quick, reliable, and repeatable assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual intervention is used to position hinge components, then positioning accuracy is achieved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning operations with an automated robotic system that uses sensors to detect hinge component positions and a robotic arm to execute precise positioning and assembly operations, thereby maintaining accuracy while significantly increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-positioning through sensor detection where the robotic system automatically identifies the locations of hinge components and determines the optimal assembly path without human intervention, achieving both precision and high-speed automation
2Productivity
If automated assembly is implemented, then productivity is increased, but adaptability to different shapes and dimensions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system employs dynamic positioning capabilities where the sensor and robotic arm can adapt their detection and movement parameters in real-time based on the specific geometry and dimensions of different hinge components, allowing automated assembly across various product configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with universal sensing and positioning capabilities that can handle multiple types of hinge components with different shapes and dimensions through a single automated platform, achieving both high productivity and broad adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex hardware components like compass arms are used, then functional requirements are met, but automation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor acts as an intermediary that bridges the complexity of compass arm positioning by automatically detecting component locations and translating them into simplified robotic movement commands, enabling automated assembly of complex hardware without increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
- The invention relates to an automated hinge-fitting station (1) for first and second joinery elements (2), respectively provided with first and second hinge components (4), with: - robotic handling means, including a gripping device (6) for said first element (2);- a clamping device (8) integrated by the component (6) and incorporating a position sensor (9), where processing and control means perform the following operations: - grasping the first element (2) by the component (6), - bringing the clamping device (8) against the first element (2), - determining a reference position of said sensor (9), - detecting the position of said second component by the sensor (9), - relative movement of the elements (2) by said robotic means, bringing said components (4) into a cooperation position determined via said reference position and said detected position of said second component, where said components (4) are attached together, connecting said elements (2). - Joinery hinges, for example for windows, doors, French windows;