Workpiece Collection Unit Identification Using Robot-Applied Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for marking workpieces in production environments are time-consuming, prone to errors, and costly, especially for small batch sizes, as they often require manual intervention and specialized devices for attaching identification elements like RFID tags.
Innovation Solution
A method where marking elements carrying information about workpieces are transported by the automation device to workpiece collection units within the production machine's working area, allowing the automation device to handle and place them directly on the units, eliminating the need for separate machines and reducing manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual attachment of routing slips is used, then workpiece information can be tracked, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The automation device automatically attaches routing slips to workpiece collection units without human intervention. The system uses the existing automation device's gripping and movement capabilities to pick up routing slips from a storage location and place them on the appropriate workpiece collection units, making the system self-serving and eliminating manual labor
Solution Approach 2:
The existing automation device, originally designed for workpiece handling, is made multi-functional by enabling it to also handle routing slips. The same gripping device and movement mechanisms are used for both workpieces and routing slips, eliminating the need for separate dedicated marking equipment
2Reliability
If special devices are used for attaching identification elements, then workpiece marking is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automation device is equipped with multiple gripping devices that can handle both workpieces and routing slips. The same mechanical structures, motors, and control systems are used for dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate specialized marking equipment and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The routing slip attachment function is merged with the workpiece handling function. The automation device's workspace is extended to include both workpiece collection units and routing slip storage, and the control system manages both operations through unified programming
3Loss of information
If routing slips are manually attached, then workpiece information is recorded, but mix-ups and errors occur easily
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives signals about the type of workpieces on each workpiece collection unit and uses this feedback information to automatically select and attach the correct routing slip. The system continuously monitors workpiece types and adjusts routing slip attachment accordingly, ensuring accurate information matching without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The automation device autonomously determines which routing slip to attach based on workpiece information received from sensors or control systems. The system self-corrects and self-adjusts without human intervention, eliminating errors caused by manual misidentification
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for identifying workpieces (20, 20a-20e), wherein: a manufacturing machine (2) manufactures a plurality of workpieces (20, 20a- 20e) and the manufactured workpieces (20, 20a-20e) are distributed, after being sorted, among a number of workpiece collection units (17a-17e); the manufactured workpieces (20, 20a-20e) are taken to the workpiece collection units (17a-17e) by means of an automation device (13); and provided on the workpiece collection units (17a-17e) are identification elements (24, 24a-24e), each carrying directly and/or indirectly information (60) relating to the workpieces (20, 20a-20e) on the workpiece collection units (17a-17e). The method is characterised in that: the identification elements (24, 24a-24e), each carrying directly and/or indirectly information (60) relating to the workpieces (20, 20a-20e) on the workpiece collection units (17a-17e) and being provided by a provision device (23), are taken from the location of a provision device (23) to a transfer zone (27) in the working area (29) of the automation device (13); and in that the automation device (13) takes each provided identification element (24, 24a-24e) from the transfer zone (27) to the associated workpiece collection unit (17a-17e). The invention allows a simple and cost-effective identification of workpieces.