Sensor-Guided Mobile Fixtures for Network-Free Part Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile fixture systems are inefficient and inconvenient to program and control, often being application-specific and reliant on networked communications, making them difficult to repurpose for different workflows or products.
Innovation Solution
A mobile fixture system comprising movable bases, articulable support platforms, adaptor interfaces, sensors, and controllers that allow independent mobile fixtures to engage with an attachment member, detect forces or movements, and control their movement autonomously, enabling coordinated handling of large parts or assemblies without traditional networking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mobile fixtures are networked and communicatively coupled to control large parts, then coordination and control capability is improved, but system complexity and programming difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each mobile fixture is equipped with its own controller that autonomously manages its movement and positioning. The fixtures self-coordinate through direct peer-to-peer communication rather than relying on a centralized network controller, eliminating the need for complex network programming while maintaining coordination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into independent distributed controllers on each mobile fixture rather than a centralized network controller. Each controller independently manages its local fixture, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining coordination through direct communication between fixtures
2Manufacturing precision
If mobile fixtures are designed for specific applications, then control precision for that application is improved, but adaptability to other workflows or products deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile fixtures are designed with universal interfaces and standardized control protocols that allow them to work with different attachment members and support various workflows. The fixtures can be reconfigured for different applications without requiring application-specific customization, achieving both precision and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile fixtures incorporate adjustable and reconfigurable components that allow their functionality to be dynamically adapted to different applications. The fixtures can change their configuration and control parameters to suit different workflows or products while maintaining precise control capability
3Measurement precision
If integrated metrology systems are used for networked control, then measurement and control accuracy is improved, but dependency on network communications increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each mobile fixture incorporates its own integrated metrology system and controller that autonomously performs measurements and adjusts positioning without requiring network communication. The fixtures self-correct their positions based on local sensor data, eliminating dependency on networked metrology systems while maintaining high measurement accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile fixture includes a movable base, a support platform, an adaptor interface, at least one sensor, and a controller. The movable base is configured to travel over a floor. The support platform is articulable with respect to the base. The adaptor interface moves with the support platform, and is configured to mechanically interface with an attachment member. The at least one sensor is coupled to the adaptor interface and is configured to detect at least one of a force or movement resulting from an interaction between the adaptor interface and the attachment member. The controller is operably coupled to the movable base, support platform, and at least one sensor, and is configured to control movement of at least one of the movable base or support platform responsive to the at least one of the force or movement detected by the at least one sensor.