Universal Carrier Frame for Precise Holding of Irregular Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional measuring devices require multiple setups and calibrations for various components and vehicle models, leading to increased costs, storage needs, and space requirements due to the need for specialized devices for each component, especially in the automotive industry with its diverse range of models and derivatives.

Innovation Solution

A recording device with a base frame and multiple base carriers that can move on guides via drives, allowing for flexible positioning and holding of objects of any shape using three determination elements, enabling reliable clamping, measuring, or joining operations with adaptable geometry handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional measuring devices are used for each component, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and quantity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal measuring device with a movable support structure that can be positioned at multiple locations and orientations on a single workpiece. The support unit can move along guides in different directions and be oriented at various angles, allowing one device to perform measurements that previously required multiple specialized devices for different components.

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

2Reliability

If specialized measuring devices are used for each component, then measurement reliability is improved, but storage space and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device is designed as a universal system that can measure various components without requiring separate specialized devices. The movable support structure with multiple degrees of freedom allows the same device to adapt to different component geometries and measurement locations, eliminating the need for multiple storage locations for different measuring devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure incorporates movable elements that can dynamically adjust position and orientation during measurement operations. The support unit can move along guides, change angles, and reposition itself to accommodate different measurement requirements, providing the adaptability previously achieved only through multiple static specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If multiple specialized measuring devices are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but setup time and calibration processes increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a universal measuring device that can measure different components with the same apparatus. The movable support structure allows rapid repositioning and reorientation without requiring device changes or extensive recalibration, maintaining measurement precision while significantly reducing setup time compared to swapping between multiple specialized devices.

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

4Manufacturing precision

If conventional fixed positioning devices are used, then positioning accuracy is achieved, but adaptability to different shapes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to different shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic support structure with movable elements that can adjust position and orientation. The support unit can move along guides in multiple directions and be oriented at various angles, enabling the device to adapt to different workpiece shapes and geometries while maintaining positioning accuracy through controlled movement along precision guides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring device incorporates movement in multiple spatial dimensions through its movable support structure. The support can translate along guides in different directions and rotate to achieve various orientations, adding dimensional flexibility that allows the same device to accurately position and measure workpieces of different shapes and sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3500398B1Accommodating apparatus for accommodating an object of any desired shape
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP3500398B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3500398B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3500398B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an accommodating apparatus for accommodating an object (5) of any desired shape, having a basic frame (1) and at least one first basic-carrier bearing (4a), which is arranged on the basic frame (1) and has two guides, on which at least one first basic carrier (6) is mounted on a first carrier-displacement unit (11a), which can be displaced via a first basic-carrier drive (6a), and a second basic carrier (6) is mounted on a second carrier-displacement unit (11a), which can be displaced via the first basic-carrier drive (6a) or via a second basic-carrier drive (6a). A third basic carrier (6), which is arranged on a third carrier-displacement unit (11a), can be displaced on the first basic-carrier bearing (4a) by a third basic-carrier drive (6a), by the first basic-carrier drive (6a) or by the second basic-carrier drive (6a), or the third basic carrier (6) is arranged on a third carrier-displacement unit (11a), by way of a second basic-carrier bearing (4a) arranged on the basic frame (1) and having two rails, and can be displaced by the third basic-carrier drive (6a). Each of the basic carriers (6) has arranged on it an intermediate-carrier bearing (4b), along which an intermediate carrier (19) can be displaced on the respective basic carrier (2), by an intermediate-carrier-displacement unit (11b), by means of an intermediate-carrier drive (6b). An attachment-carrier-displacement unit (11c) is arranged on the intermediate carrier (19) and makes it possible for an attachment-carrier bearing (4c) with an end-side tool holder (23) to be displaced by an attachment drive (6c).