Rotational End-of-Arm Tool for Multi-Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end-of-arm tools and fixtures are typically designed for specific objects, requiring substitution and causing manufacturing delays, increased complexity, and additional space for storage due to specialization.
Innovation Solution
A rotational drive system with a base, output mount, and intermediate base, featuring two drive systems that allow independent rotation about angled axes, enabling a single tool to adapt to different objects by changing poses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized end-of-arm tools and fixtures are used for specific objects, then manipulation precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end-of-arm tool is designed with a universal interface system that can accommodate multiple fixtures and tools through a single standardized mounting mechanism. The rotary drive system enables the same tool body to perform different functions by rotating to various positions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining reliable object manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a rotary drive mechanism that dynamically repositions the tool or fixture relative to the object being manipulated. This dynamic adjustment allows a single tool to adapt to different object orientations and positions, providing reliable manipulation across multiple object types without requiring static specialized tools for each case.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tools are stored for different objects, then adaptability to different objects is improved, but space requirements and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single end-of-arm tool with universal mounting capabilities replaces multiple specialized tools. The tool can be configured to handle different objects by mounting appropriate fixtures or by rotating to different positions, thereby achieving high object adaptability without requiring storage space for multiple tool variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary drive system enables dynamic reconfiguration of the tool's orientation and position. Instead of storing multiple static tools for different object types, the system uses one tool that can dynamically adapt to different objects through rotation and repositioning, eliminating storage space requirements while maintaining versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If tool substitution is performed for different objects, then object-specific manipulation precision is improved, but productivity and loss of time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary drive system enables rapid repositioning of the tool between different orientations and positions. Instead of time-consuming tool substitution, the system maintains a single tool that can quickly rotate to the appropriate configuration for each object, preserving manipulation precision while significantly improving productivity by eliminating tool changeover time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures the tool with universal mounting capabilities and multiple fixture options that can be quickly swapped or activated. This preliminary preparation allows the tool to be ready for different object types without requiring physical substitution, maintaining precision while improving throughput by eliminating tool change delays.
4Reliability
If specialized fixtures are designed for specific objects, then support reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A single fixture design with universal mounting features is created to support multiple object types. This standardized fixture can be mounted on the rotary drive system and adjusted to support different objects reliably, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple specialized fixtures while maintaining support reliability through proper positioning and adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
Rotational drives may have at least two degrees of freedom. End-of-arm-tools may incorporate rotational drives. The end-of-arm-tools may include one or more linear adjustable assemblies and one or more rotational adjustable assemblies. The end-of-arm-tools may include various tools, such as magnetic grippers.