Wall Panel Inverter Cell With Pivoting Lift Arms for Compact Prefab Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prefabrication processes for wall panels require large assembly lines with multiple devices, increasing manufacturing time and expense, and making it difficult to retrofit existing lines, while also limiting speed, efficiency, and customization.
Innovation Solution
A panel inverter manufacturing cell with a pivotable lift arm system that rotates and inverts wall panels to facilitate various manufacturing positions, allowing for efficient use of space and improved access for manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple different devices are used to work on different surfaces of a panel, then manufacturing capability is improved, but assembly line footprint and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single robotic manipulator is configured to perform multiple manufacturing operations on different surfaces of wall panels by rotating the panel holder through various positions. The manipulator can apply insulation material, install wiring, attach drywall, and perform other tasks that would traditionally require separate specialized devices, thereby reducing the overall assembly line footprint while maintaining comprehensive manufacturing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel holder is designed with rotational capability, allowing it to dynamically change the orientation of the panel during the manufacturing process. This dynamic repositioning enables a single manipulator to access different surfaces of the panel sequentially, replacing the need for multiple fixed devices and reducing the static footprint of the assembly line.
2Productivity
If multiple different devices are used to work on different surfaces of a panel, then manufacturing capability is improved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic manipulator continuously works on the panel without interruption by rotating the panel holder to present different surfaces to the manipulator. This eliminates the idle time and repositioning delays that would occur when switching between multiple different devices, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel holder pre-positions the panel in the optimal orientation for the next manufacturing operation before the manipulator needs to perform it. This preliminary positioning reduces wait time and ensures that the manipulator can immediately begin work on the next surface, minimizing non-productive time between operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing assembly lines are retrofitted, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of modification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing system is segmented into modular components: a panel holder unit and a robotic manipulator unit. This segmentation allows the system to be easily retrofitted into existing assembly lines by introducing these discrete modules, which can be integrated without completely redesigning the entire system, thereby reducing modification complexity while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel holder acts as an intermediary device between the existing assembly line and the robotic manipulator. It provides a standardized interface that facilitates easy integration and retrofitting, allowing the manipulator to work with panels without requiring complex modifications to the existing production infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An inverter manufacturing cell includes a table including a base, a frame configured to receive a work piece, and at least one pivotable lift arm attached to the base and to the frame. The pivotable lift arm is configured to pivot relative to the base about at least one axis such that the frame and work piece rotate from a first, generally horizontal position to a second, generally vertical position. After rotating to the second, vertical position, the frame is configured to slide such that the frame and work piece further rotate to a third, generally horizontal position wherein the frame and work piece are inverted relative to the first, generally horizontal position.