Rotatable Material Supply Carrier for Robotic End Effector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional end effectors equipped with a material supply struggle to efficiently form parts with complex surfaces due to the obstruction caused by a large onboard material supply, which limits maneuverability and increases refilling frequency.
Innovation Solution
An end effector system comprising a material applicator assembly with a central shaft, a compaction roller applicator, and a rotatable material supply carrier that can independently rotate relative to the applicator assembly, allowing for flexible material delivery and accommodation of bulky supplies without obstructing complex surface applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If high quantities of material are mounted onboard the end effector, then refilling frequency is reduced, but maneuverability for forming complex parts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The material supply system is segmented into a stationary material supply positioned away from the end effector and a material delivery system at the end effector. This allows the end effector to carry only minimal material buffer while the main supply remains external, resolving the contradiction between reducing refilling frequency and maintaining maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
A material delivery system acts as an intermediary between the stationary material supply and the applicator at the end effector. This intermediary system includes material handling components that can extend and retract, allowing material to be delivered to the end effector on-demand without the bulk supply obstructing the work area.
2Quantity of substance
If high quantities of material are mounted onboard the end effector, then material availability is improved, but accessibility to complex surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk material supply is extracted from the end effector and positioned externally. Only essential material handling components remain at the end effector, while the majority of material is supplied from a stationary source. This extraction resolves the contradiction by providing material availability through external supply while maintaining accessibility to complex surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The material supply system transitions from a three-dimensional onboard mounting to a distributed arrangement where material is supplied from a stationary external position. This dimensional change allows material to be delivered through space without occupying physical volume at the end effector, resolving the conflict between material quantity and surface accessibility.
3Productivity
If the material supply is positioned close to the applicator, then material delivery efficiency is improved, but obstruction of complex surface applications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The material delivery system incorporates dynamic components that can extend and retract based on operational needs. When material delivery is required, the system extends to provide efficient delivery; when not in use, it retracts to eliminate obstruction. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between delivery efficiency and obstruction.
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector, coupleable to a robot, for delivering a material to a surface, comprises a material applicator assembly, comprising a central shaft and an applicator co-rotatably coupled to the central shaft and configured to apply the material to the surface. The end effector also comprises a material supply carrier, comprising a base and a supply of the material coupled to the base. The material from the supply is feedable to the applicator. The end effector further comprises an actuator that rotatably couples the material supply carrier with the material applicator assembly. The actuator is operable to rotate the material supply carrier relative to the material applicator assembly.