Sheet Metal Gripper Assembly Using Position Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of workpiece-related sheet metal gripping devices for press automation is complex and often requires manual intervention, with existing methods lacking precision and efficiency, especially when assembling without the actual workpiece.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a support structure with gripping elements, where the relative positions and orientations are determined using a position sensor and displayed in real-time via a visual or acoustic device, allowing for precise attachment and alignment based on CAD data, enabling automated assembly without the workpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual intervention is used for assembling gripping elements, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but assembly precision and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly operations with an automated optical measurement and control system. A position sensor detects the spatial coordinates of gripping elements, and a control unit automatically calculates relative positions and orientations, substituting manual measurement and adjustment operations with automated digital processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a position sensor to create a digital copy of the gripping elements' spatial positions and orientations. This digital representation is then processed by the control unit to determine relative positions, allowing virtual verification of assembly correctness without physical measurement tools.
2Productivity
If assembly is performed without the actual workpiece, then productivity and time efficiency improve, but assembly precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the position sensor continuously detects the spatial coordinates of gripping elements during assembly, and the control unit uses this feedback information to calculate and verify relative positions and orientations, ensuring assembly precision even without the actual workpiece present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the physical workpiece with a digital modeling approach. The control unit calculates relative positions based on detected coordinates and predetermined data, replacing the need for physical workpiece reference while maintaining positioning accuracy through computational methods.
3Measurement precision
If traditional assembly methods are used, then device complexity remains low, but measurement precision and detection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement tools with an optical/electronic position sensor system. The sensor detects spatial coordinates electronically, and the control unit processes this data to determine relative positions, substituting mechanical measurement processes with electronic detection and computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a position sensor as an intermediary between the gripping elements and the measurement process. This sensor acts as a mediator that converts physical positions into detectable signals, which are then processed by the control unit to achieve precise measurement without direct physical contact or complex mechanical gauges.
4Productivity
If automated assembly systems are implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automation by replacing manual assembly operations with an electronic detection and computation system. The position sensor and control unit work together to automatically determine relative positions and verify assembly correctness, providing automated functionality through electronic rather than mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying and processing of spatial coordinate data to achieve automation. The position sensor creates a digital representation of element positions, and the control unit processes this copied data to verify assembly, enabling automated decision-making without complex mechanical automation systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for assembling a workpiece-specific sheet metal workpiece gripping device (200), wherein several gripping elements (220) are attached to a support structure (210). The method comprises the steps of: - providing the support structure (210) and the gripping elements (220) to be attached thereto; - fixing the support structure (210) in a holder (110); and - attaching the gripping elements (220) to the support structure (210), wherein each gripping element (220) is attached to the support structure (210) in a predetermined relative position and relative orientation, and wherein, during the attachment of the gripping elements (220), the respective relative position and relative orientation are detected by means of a position sensor (131) temporarily attached to the respective gripping element (220).The invention further relates to a system (100) for mounting a workpiece-related sheet metal workpiece gripping device (200), with a holder (110), at least one position sensor (131) and a display device (140).