Sensor-Guided Robot Cell Positioning for Flexible Bending Machine Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positionable robot cells for manufacturing devices, such as sheet metal processing machines, require precise alignment and are limited by a defined positioning grid, making them inflexible and hindering manual operation and setup in new production environments.
Innovation Solution
A positionable robot cell equipped with a self-recognizing sensor device, such as optical, ultrasonic, or magnetic sensors, for autonomous positioning relative to the manufacturing device, allowing flexible placement and integration with a repositioning device for easy movement, along with communication connections for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If centering blocks are arranged on the floor for positioning the robot cell, then the robot cell can be aligned in a specific position relative to the manufacturing device, but there is only a defined positioning grid which limits flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centering block system with an optical sensor-based positioning system. The sensor device detects the position of the robot cell relative to the manufacturing device using optical fields rather than mechanical contact, enabling flexible positioning without being constrained to predefined grid locations on the floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor device as an intermediary between the robot cell and the manufacturing device. This sensor acts as a mediator that measures the relative position and enables automatic alignment, eliminating the need for direct mechanical interaction through centering blocks and allowing positioning at any location within the sensor's detection range.
2Extent of automation
If the robot cell is permanently assigned to a production device, then automatic operation is achieved, but additional work is required when setting up a new production hall and manual operation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the robot cell dynamically repositionable rather than permanently fixed. The positioning system allows the robot cell to be moved to different production devices and automatically aligned through sensor detection, enabling both automatic operation and flexible reconfiguration for new production halls or manual operation modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot cell is repositioned frequently, then flexibility in production layout is improved, but alignment time and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-aligning system where the sensor device automatically detects the position of the robot cell relative to the manufacturing device and enables automatic alignment without requiring manual intervention. This self-service positioning capability eliminates time-consuming manual alignment procedures when repositioning the robot cell for different production layouts.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise, flexible, and autonomous positioning of the robot cell, reducing setup time and allowing for automatic operation without the need for manual alignment, enhancing production efficiency and flexibility in various manufacturing settings.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first sensor device (61) for detecting the position of the robot cell (21) relative to the production device (14)
Implementation Method 2
A positionable robot cell equipped with a self-recognizing sensor device, such as optical, ultrasonic, or magnetic sensors
Implementation Method 3
A positionable robot cell equipped with a self-recognizing sensor device, such as optical, ultrasonic, or magnetic sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a positionable robot cell (21) for arrangement at a bending machine (14). The robot cell (21) comprises a frame (22) for receiving the robot (24) and a receiving device (31) for a workpiece (16) and a positioning device (41) for repositioning the robot cell (21). Further, provision is made of a first sensor device (61) for capturing the position of the robot cell (21) relative to the manufacturing apparatus. The invention moreover relates to a manufacturing device having a bending machine (14) and having such a robot cell (21), and a method for operating such a robot cell (21) at a bending machine (14).