Rotating Multi-Gun Spot Welding Layout for Flexible Vehicle Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spot welding technologies require extensive time, reduce productivity and efficiency, and increase equipment and maintenance costs due to the need for multiple robots with specialized lower welding guns for various welding positions and shapes, leading to high energy consumption and space occupation.
Innovation Solution
A spot welding apparatus with a stationary frame, upper welding gun, and multiple lower welding guns that automatically select and rotate to accommodate different welding points, using actuators and link units to position the lower welding guns for efficient welding, reducing the need for multiple robots and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple robots with specialized lower welding guns are used for different welding positions and shapes, then welding adaptability is improved, but equipment cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single robot arm that can perform multiple welding functions through interchangeable welding guns. The robot is equipped with both an upper welding gun and a lower welding gun that can be selectively positioned, allowing one robot to handle various welding positions and configurations that previously required multiple specialized robots, thereby reducing equipment cost while maintaining welding adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the movable lower welding gun that can be rotated and repositioned along the robot arm. This dynamic positioning capability allows the lower welding gun to accommodate different welding shapes and positions, enabling a single robot system to adapt to varying welding requirements without requiring multiple fixed specialized robots
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple robots with specialized lower welding guns are deployed, then welding coverage is improved, but space occupation ratio increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple specialized robots into a single integrated robot system. By combining the upper welding gun and the repositionable lower welding gun on one robot arm, the system achieves comprehensive welding coverage that previously required multiple robots, thereby significantly reducing the space occupation ratio while maintaining welding coverage
3Manufacturing precision
If one set of spot welding unit is mounted to each robot arm, then welding precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by enabling the lower welding gun to be quickly repositioned and reused for subsequent welding operations. After the upper welding gun completes a welding task, the lower welding gun can be rotated into position for the next welding point, allowing the single robot to continue welding operations without interruption or waiting for robot repositioning, thereby maintaining welding precision while improving productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A spot welding apparatus includes a stationary frame having a housing formed therein. An upper welding gun is mounted to a length direction of a pressing unit disposed in the housing of the stationary frame. A plurality of lower welding guns are mounted on an outside of the stationary frame and ends of the plurality of lower welding guns selectively face one end of the upper welding gun in a length direction of the lower welding guns by the plurality of lower welding guns. A plurality of actuators are mounted on the outside of the stationary frame. A plurality of link units are disposed between the actuators and the lower welding guns, connect the actuators and the lower welding guns, respectively, and rotate as the actuators are operated.