Robotic Tapping Machine Positioning for Reproducible ASTM IIC Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for Impact Insulation Class (IIC), Apparent Impact Insulation Class (AIIC), and Field Impact Insulation Class (FIIC) testing require manual movement of a tapping machine to multiple positions, which is time-consuming, imprecise, and often deviates from the required locations, affecting the accuracy and reproducibility of impact noise measurements.
Innovation Solution
An automated robotic platform with sensors, a controller, and motors is retrofitted to the tapping machine, enabling wireless control from below to precisely position the machine in the required locations for testing, allowing a single person to conduct the tests efficiently and accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual movement of the tapping machine is used, then the testing procedure is simple, but the positioning precision and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, motors, and wireless control to position the tapping machine. This substitution eliminates human error in positioning while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control algorithms and pre-programmed test sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs self-positioning and self-measurement functions. The tapping machine automatically moves to required positions, executes impact tests, and records data without requiring manual intervention for each measurement point, thereby improving precision while keeping the overall system manageable through automation.
2Productivity
If manual movement of the tapping machine is used, then the device structure is simple, but the testing time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system enables continuous automated operation where the tapping machine sequentially visits all required measurement positions without interruption. The system performs impact tests and data recording continuously across multiple positions, eliminating the time losses associated with manual repositioning and setup between measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-programs all test positions, paths, and measurement sequences before execution. The robotic platform is pre-configured with the complete test protocol, allowing it to automatically navigate to each position and perform measurements in the correct sequence without requiring real-time decision-making or manual setup during the actual testing process.
3Reliability
If manual movement of the tapping machine is used, then the operation procedure is simple, but the reproducibility and consistency of test results deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the position, orientation, and operational parameters of the tapping machine. This feedback mechanism ensures that each impact test is executed with precise repeatability, automatically correcting any deviations from the intended test protocol and ensuring consistent measurement conditions across all test positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic control algorithms that adapt the robotic platform's movement and positioning in real-time to maintain optimal test conditions. The automation system dynamically adjusts positioning accuracy, movement speeds, and measurement timing based on sensor feedback, ensuring reproducible results while managing the complexity through intelligent control rather than rigid mechanical constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic platform for a tapping machine includes a sensor, a controller, a wireless interface directly or indirectly connected to the controller, a frame for receiving a tapping machine and a motor attached to the frame for moving the frame with the tapping machine received thereon. The frame is configured to exhibit dimensions and strength to hold a tapping machine, or other machine with a proportional-derivative control, where upon commands provided to it by the controller, the motor moves the frame and tapping machine, or other machine, through the four positions required by the ASTM test methods, under wireless control.