3D Welding Seam Identification for Automated Robot Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The automation level of welding in industries like shipbuilding is low due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of robot programming, primarily because identifying welding seams is difficult and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that identify welding seams by tagging geometrical bodies in a three-dimensional model, identifying intersection lines, eliminating hidden seams based on overlapping relationships, and editing seams according to welding process requirements, using modules like line identification, seam elimination, and edge determination to form a final seam list.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual identification of welding seams is used, then accuracy of seam identification can be maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a three-dimensional digital model that copies the physical welding object's geometry. This digital replica allows automated identification of welding seams through computational algorithms, replacing manual visual inspection while maintaining identification accuracy and dramatically reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of seam identification with an automated computational system. The line identification module uses geometric algorithms to automatically detect and identify welding seams in the three-dimensional model, substituting human labor with automated processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If robot programming is performed manually, then programming accuracy can be ensured, but programming complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification and classification of welding seams before robot programming. The system pre-processes the three-dimensional model to generate structured seam data, including seam types and positions, which serves as ready-to-use input for robot programming, thereby simplifying the programming process while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate processing layer between the three-dimensional model and robot programming. The seam identification and classification system acts as an intermediary that translates complex geometric data into standardized programming parameters, reducing the complexity of direct robot programming.
3Productivity
If automated seam identification is implemented, then productivity increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the automated identification system into distinct functional modules: a line identification module for detecting seams, a seam classification module for categorizing seam types, and an integration interface for robot programming. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system manageable through modular architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (100) and an apparatus (800) of identifying welding seams of a welding object. The method (100) comprises identifying (102) intersection lines between geometrical bodies (221, 222, 223, 224) of the welding object in a three-dimensional model (220) for the welding object, based on geometry of the geometrical bodies (221, 222, 223, 224) to form a collection of welding seams (S1-S16) for the welding object. The method (100) also comprises eliminating (104) hidden seams (S6',S14') from the collection of welding seams (S1-S16) for the welding object based on overlapping relationship among the welding seams (S1-S16) to form a candidate seam list. Welding seams can be identified automatically and efficiently, and the method (100) or the apparatus (800) makes the automatic programming of the welding robot possible and thus facilitates use of a robot in welding huge and complex structures or structures manufactured in a small batch.