Universal Joint End Effector for Ceiling Panel Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ceiling construction methods require manual labor to adjust the orientation and inclination of ceiling panels, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An end effector with a supporting means, a universal joint, linearly movable holding means, and angle changing mechanisms allows for precise adjustment of the ceiling panel's inclination and orientation, enabling efficient mounting on a lattice-form substrate material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual adjustment of ceiling panel orientation and inclination is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting efficiencyVSAvoidend effector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including a tilting mechanism with hydraulic cylinder for inclination adjustment and a rotating mechanism for orientation adjustment, allowing the ceiling panel to be dynamically positioned at various angles and orientations during the mounting process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The end effector integrates multiple functions into a single device: it holds the ceiling panel, adjusts its inclination angle, rotates it to different orientations, and positions it at the mounting location, replacing multiple separate manual operations with one universal automated system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of time

If automated end effector with adjustment mechanisms is used, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment timeVSAvoidend effector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector performs preliminary positioning and orientation adjustment of the ceiling panel before the actual mounting operation, so that when the panel reaches the mounting location, it is already correctly oriented and inclined, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with automated mechanical systems including hydraulic cylinders for tilting, electric motors for rotation, and robotic manipulators for positioning, significantly reducing adjustment time while managing complexity through systematic automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11292137B2End effector and member mounting method

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 SHIMIZU CORP

AI summary

An end effector including: a supporter configured to support a plate member; a support table provided at an end portion of the supporter via an universal joint and configured to support the plate member by making surface contact with the plate member; holding unit including a pair of holders configured to move linearly in a planar direction while the support table is interposed between the pair of holders in the planar direction, the holding unit being fixed to a base portion of the support table; and electric cylinders configured to change an inclination angle of the support table with respect to the supporter.