Truss Assembly Table With End Ejection and Gantry Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing truss assembly tables are limited in their ability to eject built trusses from both ends and lack automatic control systems for securing connector plates to truss members during assembly.

Innovation Solution

The truss assembly table incorporates truss ejection assemblies that can be retracted or extended to eject trusses from the ends, truss end stop assemblies that engage and disengage truss members during assembly, and a control system with a gantry and sensor assembly to manage the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If truss assembly tables are configured to eject built trusses from the side only, then the structure can be simpler, but the productivity and flexibility are reduced due to limited ejection options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetruss assembly efficiencyVSAvoidejection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection system is divided into multiple independent ejection assemblies positioned at different locations (sides and ends) of the table. Each assembly can operate independently to eject trusses from different directions, enabling flexible production workflows while maintaining manageable individual component complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection assemblies are designed with multi-functionality to eject trusses from multiple directions (sides and ends). This universal design allows a single type of assembly to perform multiple ejection functions, improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If automatic control systems are added to control gantry movement and connector plate securing, then manufacturing precision and automation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegantry control automationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors are integrated into the gantry and connector plate assembly mechanisms to detect position, attachment status, and operational parameters. This feedback is fed to the control system to automatically adjust movements and securing operations, achieving high automation and precision through closed-loop control without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to automatically manage gantry movements and connector plate securing operations without requiring constant manual intervention. The system self-regulates based on sensor input, performing adjustments and corrections autonomously to maintain precision while reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If end stop assemblies are configured to engage truss members during assembly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced due to additional engagement/disengagement steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetruss member positioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The end stop assemblies are designed with dynamic engagement and disengagement capabilities, allowing them to be easily activated and deactivated during the assembly process. This dynamic design enables precise positioning when needed while maintaining operational simplicity through straightforward control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250282030A1Truss assembly table
Publication Date: 2025.09.11 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US20250282030A1 patent drawing
  • US20250282030A1 patent drawing
  • US20250282030A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A truss assembly table and methods of operating a truss assembly table, wherein the truss assembly table includes one or more of truss ejection assemblies, truss end stop assemblies, and a control system and gantry with a sensor assembly.