Robotic Structural Assembly With Programmable Positioning Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
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 projects.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system and method utilizing a robotic arm and programmable assembly table with adjustable pins, combined with a graphical user interface, to automate the placement and fastening of structural components, enabling precise positioning and assembly of members and fasteners through a sequence of operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated pre-fabrication systems are implemented, then productivity and speed of construction are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of manipulating structural members increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly system is divided into separate functional modules: a robotic arm for manipulation, an assembly table for positioning, and a control system for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the robotic arm and assembly table, coordinating their movements and actions. This mediator enables automated operation without requiring direct complex mechanical coupling between all components.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning of structural members is achieved, then manufacturing precision and quality are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly table is pre-configured with marked positions and guide features before structural members are placed. This preliminary preparation enables precise positioning without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual positioning operations are replaced with automated robotic manipulation controlled by computer software. The control system calculates and executes precise movements, replacing complex mechanical positioning devices with programmable automation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom and one-off projects are accommodated, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly system is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing the assembly table layout and robotic arm parameters to be adjusted through software for different structural components. This enables quick adaptation to custom projects without permanent reconfiguration, maintaining productivity across varied production requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates custom projects by changing operational parameters such as robotic arm trajectories, assembly table positions, and fastening specifications through software control. These parameter adjustments enable versatility for different structural designs without physical system modifications or significant time loss.
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.