Rotating Beam Welding Positioner for Multi-Robot Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing welding assemblies often result in inefficient operation due to interference between multiple robots trying to weld a single workpiece, leading to idle time for one robot while others are in use.
Innovation Solution
A welding assembly with a rotatable beam and multiple holding elements, each capable of positioning a workpiece for simultaneous operation by multiple robots, along with a control system to coordinate the drive mechanisms and robots for concurrent welding operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single workpiece is used with multiple robots, then multiple robots can be positioned for welding operations, but the robots cannot operate simultaneously due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece holding assembly is segmented into multiple independent holding elements (first holding element, second holding element, etc.), each capable of independently positioning a separate workpiece. This segmentation allows multiple robots to work on different workpieces simultaneously without interference, resolving the contradiction between accommodating multiple robots and enabling simultaneous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single workpiece configuration to a multi-workpiece spatial arrangement. By positioning multiple workpieces at different locations and orientations using the rotatable beam and holding elements, the system creates additional spatial dimensions for robot operation, allowing simultaneous welding operations without robotic interference.
2Reliability
If one robot remains idle while other robots operate, then robot interference is avoided, but operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By providing multiple holding elements that can each hold a workpiece for welding, the system ensures continuous useful action across all robots. While one robot is welding a workpiece on the first holding element, another robot can simultaneously weld a workpiece on the second holding element, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive operation for all robotic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple workpieces can be pre-positioned on different holding elements before welding begins. This preliminary positioning allows robots to start welding operations simultaneously without waiting for previous operations to complete, reducing idle time and maintaining continuous productive action across the welding assembly.
3Productivity
If multiple holding elements are added to the beam, then multiple workpieces can be positioned for simultaneous welding, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam and holding elements are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple workpieces of different types and configurations. Each holding element serves multiple functions: positioning, clamping, and orienting workpieces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each workpiece, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam is designed to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, providing dynamic repositioning capability. This dynamic feature allows the holding elements to be oriented in different positions to accommodate various workpiece configurations and robot approaches, enabling simultaneous welding operations without requiring a complex fixed structure for each possible workpiece arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A welding assembly for welding a plurality of workpieces includes a positioner assembly including a base assembly and a workpiece holding assembly that is mounted to the base assembly. The workpiece holding assembly includes a beam having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of holding elements that are each mounted to the beam and adapted for holding and positioning a workpiece for welding. The beam is rotatable about a primary axis that is substantially horizontal. The plurality of holding elements are each rotatable about an auxiliary axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the beam.