Telescopic Pressing Element for Spindle Orthogonality Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-task devices lack the capability to efficiently verify spindle orthogonality with the work surface, measure pressing forces, determine initial distance and displacement, and ensure a compact, versatile setup for tasks like drilling and riveting on stacked sheet metal structures in the aerospace industry.
Innovation Solution
A multi-task device equipped with a telescopic pressure element featuring a ball-jointed end effector, which includes a screw-nut system for translational movement, sensors for thrust and inclination measurement, and means to determine initial distance and deformation, ensuring accurate and compact operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed pressure element is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot verify spindle orthogonality or measure pressing forces accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure element is designed with a telescopic mechanism allowing it to move dynamically along the spindle axis. This dynamic capability enables the element to adjust its position and orientation, allowing verification of spindle orthogonality by measuring the inclination angle during movement, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled degrees of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
A ball joint is introduced as an intermediary component between the pressure element and the spindle. This ball joint serves as a mediator that allows rotational movement and inclination measurement, enabling orthogonality verification without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms between the pressure element and spindle.
2Volume of moving object
If a small robotic arm is used to reduce size and cost, then the device is more compact and economical, but it requires suction cups to transfer stresses which adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure element is designed to serve multiple functions: it applies pressing force during operations, verifies spindle orthogonality through inclination measurement, and measures pressing forces through thrust sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, compensating for the added complexity of securing mechanisms by consolidating functions into a single versatile element.
3Volume of moving object
If the pressure element is mounted to move in translation along the spindle axis, then the robotic arm size is reduced, but it requires specific drive mechanisms which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic pressure element incorporates a self-contained drive mechanism where the first element can move relative to the second element along the spindle axis using an integrated screw-nut system. This self-service capability allows the pressure element to perform its translational movement independently, reducing the burden on the external robotic arm and minimizing the complexity of external drive mechanisms.
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
The device provides reliable verification of spindle orthogonality, precise force control, and comprehensive measurement of displacement and deformation, enabling efficient and versatile task performance on complex structures.
Implementation Method 1
said first and second elements being linked by a ball joint
Implementation Method 2
said first element being movable in translation along the axis of said spindle
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for carrying out at least one task on a structure to be worked, said device comprising: • - a frame (2); • - means (3) for attaching said frame (2) to motorized handling means that are capable of at least partially moving said device in space relative to a structure to be worked; • - means (5) for positioning and/or securing said device to said structure to be worked; • - a spindle (7) that can be rotated and/or translated along the same axis in order to carry out said at least one task; • - a pressing element (6), coaxial to said spindle (7), that is capable of applying a compressive force against the surface of said structure to be worked when said device is secured to said structure by said attachment means (3); said pressing element (6) comprising a first and a second element (61, 62) that are connected by a ball joint (630), said second element (62) comprising a free end (620) that is capable of coming into contact with said surface, and said first element (61) being translatable along the axis of said spindle (7) such that the second element (62) is oriented perpendicularly to said surface when it is compressed against said surface.