Robotic Taping System with 3D Scanning and Compliance Roller
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Solution Overview
Problem
The taping process for complex or irregularly shaped objects is challenging due to the need for precise tape orientation and contact, requiring skilled manual labor and resulting in high variability and costs, especially in industrial applications like plasma-spraying and surface protection.
Innovation Solution
An automated robotic taping system with a 3D scanner, programmable robotic arm, and taping tool, including a taping roller and compliance spring mechanism, that generates a taping path and applies masking tape correctly on complex surfaces by defining taping parameters and orientations, allowing for efficient surface coverage without wrinkles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual workers perform taping on complex surfaces, then tape orientation and attachment quality are improved, but labor cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical taping operations with an automated robotic system that uses 3D scanning, computer-generated taping paths, and programmable robotic arms to apply tape. This substitution maintains precision through automated control while dramatically reducing time consumption by eliminating manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters from manual control to automated control with programmable motion paths. The robotic arm follows pre-calculated trajectories based on 3D surface models, transforming the taping process from skill-dependent manual operation to parameter-driven automated execution.
2Productivity
If automated robotic systems are used for taping, then productivity and consistency are improved, but difficulty in achieving proper tape contact and orientation on complex surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary 3D scanning and surface modeling before the actual taping operation. The computer generates the complete taping path and orientation parameters in advance, allowing the robotic system to execute complex maneuvers automatically without real-time complex control decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary between the 3D surface model and the robotic arm. The computer calculates and provides the taping path and orientation parameters, simplifying the control architecture while enabling sophisticated taping strategies on complex surfaces.
3Productivity
If standard taping machines are used for regular shapes, then taping speed is improved, but adaptability to irregular geometries is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic taping system is designed to be universal, capable of handling both regular and irregular geometries through programmable control. The same system that can perform high-speed taping on simple shapes can also adapt to complex surfaces by loading different 3D models and generating appropriate taping paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, geometry-specific taping machines to a dynamic robotic system with programmable motion. The robotic arm can adapt its trajectory, speed, and orientation in real-time based on the surface geometry, enabling both high productivity and geometric versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables efficient and precise taping of irregularly shaped objects, reducing human variability and costs by automating the taping process, ensuring proper tape attachment and coverage on complex surfaces, suitable for industrial applications like plasma-spraying and surface protection.
Implementation Method 1
a compliance spring mechanism providing suspension to the taping roller
Data Source
AI summary
A robot taping system for applying a sticky tape onto of an object; the robot taping system comprising:a scanner to scan the object;a computer to generate a 3D model of the object from a scan of the object obtained by the scanner, the computer allowing a user to define a selected area and the computer generating a taping path for covering the selected area with the tape;a programmable robotic arm configured to move along a trajectory corresponding to the taping path;a taping tool attached to a free end of the robotic arm and comprisinga tape holder rod to support a roll of the tape thereabout and from where the tape is dispensed; anda taping roller to contact a non-sticky side of the tape and to press the sticky side of a tape onto the selected area during movement of the robotic arm along the trajectory.