Reconfigurable Vacuum Gripper for Multi-Emblem Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing emblem installation processes for vehicle bodies are inefficient due to the need for multiple tools and manual intervention, which increases production time and reduces accuracy, especially when dealing with emblems of different sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable end effector for a robotic arm that can pick up multiple emblems of varying sizes and shapes, featuring vacuum gripper modules with adjustable force control and a wet-out roller, allowing for simultaneous handling and precise placement without requiring multiple end effectors or robotic arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple dedicated end effectors with different size rollers are used to handle various emblem sizes and shapes, then the precision of wet-out force application is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single robotic end effector is designed to perform multiple functions: picking up emblems of various sizes and shapes, positioning them on the vehicle body, and applying wet-out force through an integrated roller. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple dedicated end effectors while maintaining precision through force control algorithms that adapt to different emblem characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector incorporates a force control algorithm that dynamically adjusts the wet-out force applied by the roller based on the specific emblem being installed. The system can adapt its force application in real-time to accommodate different emblem sizes, shapes, and material properties, ensuring uniform wet-out without requiring dedicated tools for each emblem type
2Productivity
If multiple end effectors are used to handle different emblem types simultaneously, then the productivity is improved, but the space requirements and tool change time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single end effector is designed with a reconfigurable gripper system that can quickly adapt to hold different emblem types. The integrated roller mechanism remains available for wet-out operations, allowing the system to maintain high productivity by handling multiple emblem types with one tool rather than requiring multiple parallel end effectors that would consume additional workspace
3Ease of operation
If manual pressure application is used for emblem installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and consistency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic end effector incorporates force sensors and control algorithms that provide real-time feedback on the forces applied during emblem picking, placement, and wet-out operations. This closed-loop control ensures consistent and precise force application, eliminating the variability inherent in manual pressure application while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces cycle time, enhances precision, and allows for efficient installation of multiple emblems on a vehicle body by enabling the robotic arm to perform pick-up, placement, and wet-out operations with localized force control, improving overall production efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
multiple vacuum gripper modules repositionable along the base in different configurations. The multiple vacuum gripper modules are configured to simultaneously grip multiple emblems
Data Source
AI summary
An emblem installation system for installing emblems on a work piece includes an end effector for a robotic arm. The end effector has a base and multiple vacuum gripper modules repositionable along the base in different configurations. The vacuum gripper modules are configured to simultaneously grip multiple emblems and individually release the emblems. An emblem installation method includes applying a force within a first range of forces to the multiple emblems individually and in succession via vacuum gripper modules of an end effector on a robotic arm, with the emblems disposed at a first location, applying a vacuum to the vacuum gripper modules to grip the emblems with the vacuum gripper modules, and moving the robotic arm from the first location to a second location adjacent a workpiece with the emblems gripped by the vacuum gripper modules.