Robotic Structural Member Assembly With Approach Vector Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The automated pre-fabrication of structural components in building construction is limited by challenges in manipulating and joining structural members to the correct position for assembly, leading to inefficiencies and quality variations, especially in custom or one-off products.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system and method that utilizes a robotic arm and programmable assembly table with adjustable pins, along with a graphical user interface, to automate the placement and joining of structural components, including the use of an approach vector for precise member placement and fastening, enabling efficient and customizable assembly of structural components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated pre-fabrication systems are implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity and difficulty in manipulating structural members worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the assembly process into discrete, programmable steps including member retrieval, positioning, approach vector calculation, and fastening operations. Each structural member is individually manipulated through a sequence of controlled movements, allowing complex assembly tasks to be broken down into manageable automated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm serves as an intermediary device between the control system and the structural members. It translates digital instructions into physical manipulation, enabling automated control while handling the complexity of manipulating large, irregular structural components that would be difficult to control directly.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise member placement is achieved through approach vectors, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and programming complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates approach vectors and positioning parameters before the actual assembly operation. The robotic arm is programmed with predetermined paths and angles for approaching each structural member, allowing precise placement to be achieved through pre-planned movements rather than complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with computer-controlled robotic manipulation. The approach vector methodology substitutes complex manual alignment procedures with algorithmic calculation of precise movement paths, translating geometric relationships into automated robotic commands.
3Productivity
If automated fastening operations are implemented, then productivity is improved, but reliability and quality consistency worsen due to handling challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-adjusting features where the robotic arm automatically compensates for minor positioning variations during fastening operations. The automated fastening mechanism adapts to slight misalignments through programmed tolerance ranges and adaptive positioning, maintaining quality consistency without requiring perfect initial placement.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for assembling structural components are disclosed. The systems and methods consider a sequence, operations of the sequence, and an approach vector in placing structural members (including structural members with pre-attached fasteners) for assembling structural components.