20240009852. LOCAL SENSOR UNITS FOR MANUFACTURING CELLS simplified abstract (Path Robotics, Inc.)
Contents
LOCAL SENSOR UNITS FOR MANUFACTURING CELLS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Andrew Ryan Lien of Columbus OH (US)
Alex Koenig of Columbus OH (US)
Stephen Cribb of Galena OH (US)
Jason Robinson of Columbus OH (US)
LOCAL SENSOR UNITS FOR MANUFACTURING CELLS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240009852 titled 'LOCAL SENSOR UNITS FOR MANUFACTURING CELLS
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes a manufacturing cell for welding a workpiece, which includes a robotic arm, a weld head, a sensor pod, and a controller. The robotic arm extends between a base and a terminal end, allowing the weld head to travel relative to the base. The weld head is responsible for welding the workpiece. The sensor pod is coupled to the weld head and includes an outer pod housing with an internal chamber. The front end of the pod housing has a receptacle, and a sensor is positioned inside the chamber to provide feedback associated with the workpiece. A consumable window made of transparent material can be inserted into the receptacle, aligning with the longitudinal axis of the sensor. The controller is connected to the sensor pod and operates the robotic arm and weld head based on the feedback from the sensor.
- The manufacturing cell includes a robotic arm, weld head, sensor pod, and controller.
- The robotic arm extends between a base and a terminal end, allowing movement of the weld head.
- The weld head is responsible for welding the workpiece.
- The sensor pod is coupled to the weld head and has an outer pod housing with an internal chamber.
- A sensor inside the pod housing provides feedback associated with the workpiece.
- A consumable window made of transparent material can be inserted into the receptacle of the pod housing.
- The consumable window aligns with the sensor's longitudinal axis when inserted.
- The controller operates the robotic arm and weld head based on the sensor feedback.
Potential Applications
- Manufacturing and assembly processes that require welding of workpieces.
- Automation of welding tasks in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction.
Problems Solved
- Enables precise and accurate welding of workpieces.
- Provides real-time feedback on the welding process, allowing for adjustments and quality control.
- Increases efficiency and productivity by automating the welding process.
Benefits
- Improved weld quality and consistency.
- Reduction in human error and labor costs.
- Increased productivity and throughput.
- Enhanced safety by minimizing human involvement in the welding process.
Original Abstract Submitted
a manufacturing cell for welding a workpiece includes a robotic arm extending between a base and a terminal end, a weld head coupled to the terminal end of the robotic arm such that the weld head is permitted to travel relative to the base of the robotic arm, wherein the weld head is configured to weld the workpiece, a sensor pod coupled to the weld head and including an outer pod housing defining an internal chamber extending between a front end and a rear end of the pod housing, and wherein the front end of the pod housing defines a receptacle, a sensor positioned in the internal chamber of the pod housing, the sensor configured to provide sensor feedback associated with the workpiece, and a consumable window including a transparent material is insertable into the receptacle such that a longitudinal axis of the sensor intersects the consumable window when the consumable window is inserted into the receptacle, and a controller coupled to the sensor pod and configured to operate at least one of the robotic arm and the weld head based on the sensor feedback provided by the sensor of the sensor pod.
