Vacuum Mounting of Shockproof Pads for Automotive Lamp Bodies

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual mounting of shockproof cushioning components on automotive lighting appliances is time-consuming, complex, and prone to errors due to the small size and adhesive nature of rubber pads, leading to increased handling time and risk of damage.

Innovation Solution

A semi-automatic system using a film unwinding mechanism, electronic detection, and a gripping device with a vacuum mechanism to selectively pick up and mount shockproof components on the lamp body, reducing handling time and minimizing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual mounting operation is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but mounting time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting speedVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables semi-automatic operation where the machine performs the complex tasks of picking, separating, and positioning rubber pads while the operator simply guides the lamp body and removes excess pads. This self-service approach allows the system to handle the complexity internally while keeping the operator's role simple and flexible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into distinct functional modules: a picking device for gripping rubber pads, a separation mechanism for detaching pads from the support sheet, a positioning system for accurate placement, and a control unit. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If manual handling of small rubber pads is performed, then dexterity is required, but handling time increases and precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement precisionVSAvoidhandling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated picking device equipped with a gripping mechanism controlled by a control unit. The gripping device uses controlled mechanical forces to pick, hold, and place rubber pads with high precision, eliminating the time loss associated with manual dexterity operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The picking device creates a precise copy of the operator's intended placement action through programmable positioning. The control unit stores and reproduces the exact positioning coordinates for each rubber pad, ensuring consistent high-precision placement without the time variability of manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If operator carefully separates and picks rubber pads, then accuracy is maintained, but mounting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepicking accuracyVSAvoidmounting throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning rubber pads on a support sheet in a organized array before the mounting process begins. The picking device then simply needs to grip and transfer each pad to its final position, eliminating the time-consuming manual separation step while maintaining accuracy through the pre-arranged configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support sheet acts as an intermediary carrier that holds multiple rubber pads in a stable, organized arrangement. This intermediary structure allows the picking device to access and grip individual pads easily without complex manual separation, thereby maintaining picking accuracy while significantly reducing the time required for each mounting operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If adhesive rubber pads are handled manually, then adhesive layer protection is challenging, but automated handling risks damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive integrityVSAvoidhandling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual handling of adhesive surfaces with an automated gripping mechanism that applies controlled mechanical forces through the non-adhesive side of the rubber pad. The picking device is designed to grip only the outer surface, completely avoiding contact with the adhesive layer and ensuring adhesive integrity without requiring complex protective mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system significantly reduces mounting time and minimizes the risk of damage to shockproof components by automating the process and ensuring precise application, enhancing efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a gripping device with a vacuum mechanism to selectively pick up and mount shockproof components on the lamp body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP4600026A1Method and system for mounting shockproof cushioning components on an automotive lighting appliance
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 MARELLI AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING ITAL SPA
  • EP4600026A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4600026A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4600026A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for mounting shockproof cushioning components comprising the steps of unwinding a tape-like film and moving it forward towards a pick-up station, stopping the forward movement of the film when an end row is detected to have reached a pre-established pick-up position, selectively picking up a shockproof cushioning component from the pre-established end row using a gripping device fitted with a pneumatic gripping head which sucks the shockproof cushioning component, and arranging the gripping device so that the adhesive face of the shockproof cushioning component loaded on the gripping head rests on the lamp body of the automotive lighting appliance in a mounting position.