AI Voice Positioner Control for Hands-Free Workpiece Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional industrial equipment handling requires manual adjustment and positioning, leading to safety concerns, productivity limitations, ergonomic issues, and increased costs due to interruptions and physical strain.

Innovation Solution

An AI-enabled voice control positioning system that allows operators to control industrial work pieces via voice commands, using a voice-activated software to translate commands into machine-readable language, provide real-time feedback, and enable hands-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual adjustment and positioning is used, then the operator can directly control the work piece and positioner, but safety concerns arise due to physical contact with moving parts and hot surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanual control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect work piece characteristics and a controller to automatically adjust the positioner. This eliminates the need for operators to physically contact moving parts and hot surfaces, thereby improving safety while maintaining operational effectiveness.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated control system as an intermediary between the operator and the positioner/work piece. This intermediary system includes sensors that detect work piece characteristics and a controller that processes this information to automatically control the positioner, removing the operator from direct contact with hazardous elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual adjustment of positioning equipment is performed, then the operator can control the work piece position, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming interruptions in the welding or assembly process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow efficiencyVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service automated control system that independently detects work piece characteristics using sensors and automatically adjusts the positioner without requiring operator intervention. This eliminates time-consuming manual adjustments and interruptions to the welding or assembly process, thereby improving productivity and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous operation of the welding or assembly process by automating the positioning adjustments. The automated control system continuously monitors work piece characteristics and makes real-time adjustments without interrupting the main production workflow, ensuring continuous useful action and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If manual positioning controls are used, then the operator can adjust the work piece position, but ergonomic issues arise from repetitive movements and awkward positions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveergonomicsVSAvoidautomatic positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning operations with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect work piece characteristics and a controller to automatically adjust the positioner. This substitution eliminates repetitive manual movements and awkward positioning postures, improving operator ergonomics while implementing automatic positioning.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The automated control system performs positioning adjustments independently without requiring operator physical intervention. The system uses sensors to detect work piece characteristics and automatically controls the positioner, eliminating the need for operators to perform repetitive movements or maintain awkward positions, thereby improving ergonomics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If voice-activated control is implemented, then hands-free operation is enabled improving safety and continuity, but device complexity increases due to integration of voice recognition software and hardware

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a voice recognition system as an intermediary interface between the operator and the automated control system. This voice-activated interface allows hands-free operation, improving safety by keeping the operator's hands away from hazardous areas while maintaining control over the positioner through speech commands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260070172A1Voice control positioning system
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 ALM POSITIONERS INC
  • US20260070172A1 patent drawing
  • US20260070172A1 patent drawing
  • US20260070172A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A positioning system includes a voice activation device configured to receive voice input, an AI-enabled voice control module operatively connected to the voice activation device wherein the module is configured to convert the voice input to a machine-readable language and/or a communication protocol, and a positioner operatively connected to the module wherein the positioner is configured to perform an operation on a work piece based on the machine-readable language and/or communication protocol. The voice activation device can comprise a headset that allows a user to control the positioner via voice commands in a hands-free manner. Being able to operate the positioner in a hands-free manner improves safety, efficiency, productivity, ergonomics, and cost-effectiveness related to operation of the positioner.