Wearable Assembly Aid for Component Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators in assembly operations face challenges in quickly and accurately selecting the correct components due to time spent reorienting, locating, and confirming the position of components, especially when switching between different components or when their positions change within the assembly station.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device equipped with a camera and display that scans the assembly station, identifies the required component, and displays its position to the operator, aiding in efficient selection and verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operator manually locates and confirms component positions in the assembly station, then the operator can select components, but the assembly operation speed decreases due to time spent reorienting and locating components
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning of the assembly station to pre-identify component positions before the operator needs to select them. The wearable device captures images of the assembly station in advance, processes them to determine component locations, and prepares this information for immediate display, eliminating the need for operators to manually search and confirm positions during the assembly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the assembly station layout by processing captured images to generate a representation of component positions. This digital model is then displayed through the wearable device, allowing operators to view component locations virtually without physically searching for them, thus reducing time loss while maintaining accurate position information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator switches between different components during assembly, then various components can be installed, but the accuracy of component selection decreases due to reorientation time and potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the operator by displaying the current component position and identification information through the wearable device. When the operator switches between components, the system continuously updates the display with the new component's position and details, confirming the correct component is being handled. This immediate feedback loop prevents selection errors and maintains high accuracy during component switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and positioning of multiple components in advance, creating a ready-reference guide displayed on the wearable device. This allows operators to switch between components confidently, as the system has already prepared and displayed information about the next required component, reducing reorientation time and maintaining selection accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If the assembly station uses a fixed layout for components, then the assembly process is simple, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic changes in component positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed-layout approach to a dynamic one by continuously capturing images of the assembly station and processing them in real-time. The wearable device displays updated component positions as they change, allowing the system to adapt to dynamic layouts while maintaining ease of operation. Operators simply view the current positions displayed on their wearable devices without needing to understand or remember complex layout changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates updated digital copies of the component layout by processing captured images, generating an accurate representation of the current assembly station state. This digital copy is displayed through the wearable device, providing operators with real-time position information regardless of layout changes, thus maintaining operational simplicity while adapting to dynamic configurations.
4Loss of information
If the system uses traditional display methods for component positions, then the information can be shown, but the operator's time and effort for locating components is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device serves as an intermediary between the assembly station's component positions and the operator. It captures images, processes them to extract position information, and displays this information directly in the operator's field of view. This intermediary system delivers complete position information efficiently, eliminating the need for operators to physically locate and confirm each component, thus reducing time loss while ensuring accurate information delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices and systems are provided for aiding an operator in performing an assembly operation by displaying the position of a component using a device worn by the operator. In one aspect, a method of aiding an operator in performing an assembly operation at an assembly station comprises: scanning the assembly station, using a camera, for the position of a component identified to be used in the assembly operation; and displaying, using a display worn by the operator, the position of the identified component within the assembly station to the operator.