Rotating End-of-Arm Tool Rack for Space-Limited Robot Cells
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle assembly systems, the existing methods for changing end-of-arm tools are inefficient due to a large dedicated tool changing footprint and the need for active or passive tool indexing capabilities, especially in environments with multiple robots where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for changing end-of-arm tools that includes a rotatable tool rack configured to hold multiple tools, allowing robots to selectively rotate the rack to move tools from a far location to a near location for attachment, with options for the rack to be unpowered or powered, and integration with a vehicle for precise positioning and alignment using cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional tool rack system is used to hold and exchange end-of-arm tools, then tool changing capability is provided, but the dedicated tool changing footprint becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tool rack with the robot arm by integrating the rack structure directly into the robot's end effector or arm assembly. This combination eliminates the need for a separate, dedicated tool changing station, thereby reducing the tool changing footprint while maintaining full tool changing capability. The robot arm itself becomes the tool changing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot arm is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the manipulator for performing tasks and as the tool changing mechanism. By making the robot arm universal, the system eliminates dedicated tool changing infrastructure, reducing space requirements while enabling tool exchange between multiple end-of-arm tools.
2Productivity
If multiple robots operate at an assembly station, then production capacity increases, but available space becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the tool changing function with the robot arm, the patent reduces the space each robot requires. This allows multiple robots to operate in closer proximity without requiring large dedicated tool changing zones, thereby increasing production capacity within limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tool rack system allows tools to be arranged in three-dimensional space on the robot arm itself, rather than requiring two-dimensional floor space for tool racks. This dimensional reorganization enables multiple robots to share the same workspace without spatial conflict.
3Quantity of substance
If tools are positioned outside the robot's maximum reach, then tool storage capacity increases, but the robot cannot access the tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the tool rack dynamic by integrating it with the robot arm's movement capabilities. The rack can be positioned at different locations along the robot arm's range of motion, and the robot can dynamically adjust the rack's position to bring tools within reach while maintaining storage capacity for multiple tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool rack is segmented into multiple positions or slots that can be independently accessed. The robot can selectively position specific tool slots within its reach envelope while keeping other slots stored in positions outside the immediate reach, optimizing both storage capacity and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for changing end-of-arm tools and methods for manufacturing vehicles are provided. An exemplary end-of-arm tool changing system includes a rotatable tool rack configured to hold at least two end-of-arm tools and configured to move a selected end-of-arm tool from a far location to a near location. The exemplary end-of-arm tool changing system further includes a robot configured to reach the near location for attachment of the selected end-of-arm tool to the robot.