Assembly Line Tool Position Control Using Shared Transponder Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for locating tools on assembly lines are expensive, imprecise, and require significant maintenance and intervention when the assembly line configuration changes, making them inflexible and costly.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses a controller and contactless determination means to authorize tool operation based on the absolute positions of transponders attached to both the tool and the mobile object, allowing operation only when both are within predefined spaces, simplifying installation and reducing equipment needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional location systems are used to control tool operation, then tool position can be monitored, but the system becomes expensive, imprecise, and requires significant maintenance when assembly line configuration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tool location system with the existing conveyor positioning system by using the same transponders and reference elements already present on the conveyor. The controller integrates both location and positioning functions, eliminating the need for separate location infrastructure and reducing system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The transponders and reference elements are designed to serve dual purposes: both for conveyor positioning and for tool location determination. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the system architecture while providing accurate location data for tool control.
2Reliability
If traditional location systems are used to control tool operation, then tool position can be monitored, but maintenance and intervention requirements increase significantly when assembly line configuration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to assembly line configuration changes by using the controller to calculate new authorized workspaces based on updated tool and object positions. When the assembly line configuration changes, the system automatically recalculates position relationships and authorized workspaces without requiring manual reconfiguration or intervention, maintaining operational reliability while simplifying maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically determines authorized workspaces and adjusts operational authorization based on current tool and object positions. The system self-adjusts to configuration changes without requiring external intervention, reducing maintenance requirements while ensuring reliable operation.
3Ease of operation
If battery-powered screwdrivers are used to increase operator mobility, then operator flexibility improves, but the risk of tool misuse and incorrect operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors tool position and object position, providing real-time feedback to determine whether the tool is within an authorized workspace. The system only authorizes operation when both the tool and the object to be worked on are within the predefined workspace, preventing tool misuse while maintaining operator mobility. This feedback mechanism ensures operational correctness without restricting operator flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the assembly line configuration changes, then production adaptability improves, but the maintenance and reconfiguration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically recalculates authorized workspaces based on updated tool and object positions when assembly line configuration changes. The controller automatically determines new workspace boundaries and operational authorizations without requiring manual reconfiguration, enabling rapid adaptation to production changes while minimizing reconfiguration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines workspace boundaries and operational authorizations based on expected tool and object positions. When configuration changes occur, the controller can quickly recalculate and implement new parameters without requiring extensive manual setup, reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining production adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for controlling a tool comprising a controller controlling the operation of a tool and a means for determining without contact the absolute positions of transponders fixed on said tool and a mobile object on which the tool operates. The mobile object travels through a succession of determined positions in an assembly line. The controller authorizes the operation of the tool in the assembly line when the transponder of the tool is in a first predefined space detected by said means for determining absolute position, this first predefined space being between a first determined position and a fifth determined position, and when the transponder of the mobile object is also between a second determined position and a fourth determined position detected by said absolute position determining means. The determined second position and the determined fourth position are framed by the determined first position and the determined fifth position. In this way, the activation of the tool is carried out using the information generated by the same means of localization, which simplifies the installation and minimizes the costs.