Universal End of Arm Tool Subassembly for Automotive Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional end of arm robot tools face limitations such as complexity, high cost, limited adaptability, stiffness issues, and downtime due to custom design and reconfiguration requirements, making them inefficient for handling diverse automotive body parts.
Innovation Solution
A universal end of arm tool subassembly featuring three identical linear drive mechanisms providing XYZ movement, designed to be modular, lightweight, and robust, with a method for configuring these mechanisms to optimize mounting surfaces and reduce downtime through graphical representation and merit-based configuration optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional end of arm robot tools are designed with multiple accessory parts and mounting brackets to handle different car models, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases and stocking burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized tool interface that can handle multiple car models through programmable robot control. The tool features a universal mounting interface with standardized dimensions and attachment mechanisms, allowing the same physical tool to serve multiple functions across different vehicle models without requiring model-specific hardware variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling reconfigurable tool positioning through programmable robot control. The tool can be dynamically repositioned and reconfigured for different car models via software control, allowing the physical hardware to remain static while the operational parameters are dynamically adjusted to accommodate different vehicle geometries and requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom design is performed for each tool to meet specific requirements, then manufacturing precision improves, but manufacturing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tooling system into standardized modular components with defined interfaces. This segmentation allows individual elements to be manufactured with high precision using standardized processes, while the overall system can be quickly assembled and reconfigured for different applications, eliminating the need for complete custom design cycles for each tool variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by maintaining standardized tool hardware while varying operational parameters through programmable control. The physical tool dimensions and geometries remain fixed at optimal manufactured values, while adaptability to different car models is achieved by changing control parameters, positioning coordinates, and operational settings through software rather than physical redesign.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tool reconfiguration is performed manually for product changes, then adaptability improves, but loss of time increases due to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling automated tool reconfiguration through programmable robot control systems. The robot can autonomously adjust tool positioning, orientation, and operational parameters based on digital product specifications, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the reconfiguration process and significantly reducing the time required to switch between different car models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming tool configurations and positioning parameters for different car models before production begins. The robot control system stores multiple pre-configured tool setups that can be quickly loaded and activated when product changes are required, allowing the tool to be ready for the next product variant without requiring time-consuming manual reconfiguration during downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
An end of arm tool subassembly includes three identical linear drive mechanisms connected directly together to provide three directions of movement. Each linear drive mechanism includes a base defined by a longitudinal axis and a slide movably coupled to the base. The base has at least one mounting surface disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis and an end mounting surface disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The slide traverses in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and has a slide mounting surface thereon. One of the identical linear drive mechanisms is directly attached to the end mounting surface of the base of another linear drive mechanism to provide two of the three directions of movement.