Universal Robotic Milling Assembly With Interchangeable Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiple arm robotic tool systems lack interchangeability of arm tip tools, requiring complicated steps for tool replacement and are not robust to accommodate the oscillation of machined parts, leading to machining errors.

Innovation Solution

A universal milling machine assembly tool with a tool body frame, robotic arm assembly base, quick-connect couplers, and interchangeable robotic arm assemblies that can adapt to various motions and oscillations, including synthesis oscillation, linear, and orbital motions, allowing for interchangeable tools such as milling, material printing, and welding tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional milling tool systems are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system is not robust to adapt to oscillation of the machined part, causing errors in machining

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobustness to oscillationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the tool assembly movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The tool can oscillate or adapt to oscillations of the workpiece through controlled motion, allowing the system to respond dynamically to machining conditions and maintain precision despite workpiece movement or vibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters by introducing oscillatory motion capabilities to the tool assembly. The tool can apply oscillation or adapt to oscillation with controlled amplitude and frequency, transforming a static machining system into one that can dynamically adjust its motion parameters to compensate for workpiece oscillation and maintain machining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If multiple arm robotic tool systems are used, then automation extent is improved, but the interchangeability of arm tip tools is limited, requiring complicated steps for tool replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobotic automationVSAvoidtool interchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a standardized tool assembly with a universal interface that can be attached to different robotic arms. The tool assembly includes a base portion with a standardized interface that accommodates various tool types (milling tools, welding tools, material printing tools), allowing the same tool assembly to perform multiple functions across different robotic systems without complicated replacement procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tool system into separate modular components: a base portion with the standardized interface and interchangeable tool portions. This segmentation allows the tool assembly to be easily disassembled and reconfigured, enabling quick replacement of different tool types while maintaining the automated robotic operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250289067A1Universal milling machine assembly tool
Publication Date: 2025.09.18 KETTNER MICHAEL
  • US20250289067A1 patent drawing
  • US20250289067A1 patent drawing
  • US20250289067A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A universal milling assembly tool is disclosed. The tool includes a tool body frame; a robotic arm assembly base attached to the tool body frame; robotic arm assembly base couplers positioned on the robotic arm assembly base; articulating robotic arm assemblies connected to the robotic arm assembly base couplers, where the robotic arm assemblies include an attachment end for each of the one or more robotic arm assemblies to the robotic arm assembly base couplers; robotic arm assembly connecting rods connected to each other through articulating joints along the robotic arm assemblies; an attachment end for each of the robotic arm assemblies, and interchangeable robotic arm milling assembly machining tools attachable to the attachment end for each of the robotic arm assemblies.