Integrated Work Table Control for Flexible Robot Equipment Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current production systems using robots are inefficient due to complex communication and connection requirements between robot controllers and external equipment, limiting scalability and making it difficult for small and medium-sized companies to introduce and develop robot-based production systems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function integrated work table that enables robots and work equipment to operate in conjunction by using a work table-side controller capable of communicating with both robot and work equipment, simplifying the process planning and execution through compatible communication standards and signal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robot controller controls multiple work equipment directly, then the robot can perform complex tasks, but the number of communication and connection means increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a work table as an intermediary device between the robot and multiple work equipment. The work table includes a control unit that manages communications with various work equipment (conveyor, press, injection molding machine, etc.), allowing the robot to perform complex tasks without directly connecting to each piece of equipment. This mediator approach reduces the communication burden on the robot controller while maintaining system versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple work equipment are connected to the robot controller, then more functions can be integrated, but the system becomes harder to reconstruct and rearrange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into two parts: the robot controller and the work table control unit. The work table control unit is responsible for managing multiple work equipment, while the robot controller focuses on robot operations. This segmentation allows work equipment to be easily added, removed, or rearranged on the work table without affecting the robot controller, thereby improving system reconstructability while maintaining functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a production system is designed with fixed equipment arrangement, then system stability is improved, but flexibility for rearrangement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic work table design where work equipment can be freely arranged and repositioned on the work table surface. The control unit adapts to different equipment configurations through automatic detection and flexible programming, allowing the system to maintain stability during operation while providing flexibility for rearrangement when needed. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between fixed stability and rearrangement flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a multi-function integrated work table that makes it possible to easily construct a production system in which tasks are performed by a robot and work equipment operating in conjunction with each other. The robot and the work equipment are disposed near the work table, and the work table includes a work table-side controller and a process planning and designing controller that is capable of being operated by a user. The work table-side controller executes a work process in which the robot and the work equipment operate in conjunction with each other, by receiving signals carrying identification and state monitoring information from a robot-side controller and the work equipment and then sending these signals to the process planning and designing controller, and by sending operation command signals to the robot-side controller and the work equipment in accordance with the work process in which the robot and the work equipment operate in conjunction with each other and then receiving operation status signals from the robot-side controller and the work equipment. Based on the signals carrying the identification and state monitoring information on the robot and the work equipment, the process planning and designing controller plans and designs the work process in which the robot and the work equipment operate in conjunction with each other.