Wheel Nut Torque Checking Robot for Conveyor Speed Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic wheel assembly systems are inefficient in handling vehicles with varying wheel hub types and conveyor speeds, making it difficult to consistently engage wheel nuts with the correct torque on a conveyor-based assembly line.
Innovation Solution
A wheel nut engagement checking system comprising a moving member with a wheel lifting apparatus and a torque checking apparatus, controlled by a robot arm, which lifts wheels to a predetermined height, detects the position of wheel nuts using vision sensors, and checks the engage torque of wheel nuts using a nut runner and torque detecting sensors, ensuring accurate and consistent torque application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a vehicle is delivered on a conveyor at varying speeds, then productivity is improved, but it becomes difficult to engage wheel nuts with correct torque and check engage torque accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a robot arm with dynamic positioning capability that can adapt to varying conveyor speeds. The robot arm moves the wheel nut engagement apparatus to the precise position on the moving vehicle, and the nut runner rotates at controlled speeds to match the dynamic conditions, ensuring accurate torque application despite conveyor speed variations
Solution Approach 2:
The torque sensor provides real-time feedback on the engagement torque of wheel nuts. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor and verify that the correct torque is applied, and the controller can adjust the nut runner operation based on this feedback to maintain precision even when conveyor speed varies
2Adaptability or versatility
If different wheel hub types are accommodated, then adaptability is improved, but the position of wheel assembly varies making consistent torque engagement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm serves multiple functions: it positions the wheel nut engagement apparatus, adjusts for different wheel hub types and positions, and coordinates the nut runner operation. This universal positioning system can adapt to various wheel hub configurations while maintaining precise torque engagement through its programmable motion control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic positioning of the robot arm to accommodate different wheel hub types. The robot arm can move to various positions and orientations to reach wheel nuts on different hub configurations, ensuring consistent torque engagement accuracy across diverse wheel types
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel nut engagement checking system for a vehicle delivered by a conveyor includes: a moving member disposed at one side of the conveyor; a wheel lifting apparatus disposed on the moving member, and lifting a wheel of the vehicle from the conveyor to a predetermined height; a wheel nut torque checking apparatus provided on an arm of a robot disposed on the moving member, engaging a nut runner to a wheel nut of the wheel, and checking an engage torque of the wheel nut by rotating the nut runner; and a controller controlling a speed of the moving member, lifting the wheel to the predetermined height using the wheel lifting apparatus, moving the wheel nut torque checking apparatus using the robot so as to engage the nut runner to the wheel nut, and detecting an engage torque of the wheel nut by rotating the nut runner.