PICK-AND-PLACE SYSTEM AND METHOD

Organization Name

the boeing company

Inventor(s)

Sandra L. Zmeu of Shoreline WA (US)

Jonathan Y. Ahn of Seattle WA (US)

Austin B. Ball of Seattle WA (US)

Ricardo A. Fritzke of Sammamish WA (US)

Christopher R. Brown of Seattle WA (US)

PICK-AND-PLACE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240262638 titled 'PICK-AND-PLACE SYSTEM AND METHOD

The abstract describes a pick-and-place system that includes a rigid elongate strongback supported by a robotic arm, along with multiple actuator-clamp assemblies mounted on the strongback. Each actuator-clamp assembly consists of jaw assemblies to clamp onto a workpiece segment and a multi-axis actuator to adjust the orientation of the segment before placing it onto a mating structure.

The pick-and-place system includes a rigid elongate strongback supported by a robotic arm.
Multiple actuator-clamp assemblies are mounted on the strongback in spaced relation to each other.
Each actuator-clamp assembly has jaw assemblies to clamp onto a localized segment of a workpiece.
A multi-axis actuator in each assembly adjusts the orientation of the localized segment before placing it onto a mating structure.

Potential Applications: - Manufacturing processes requiring precise placement of workpieces. - Assembly lines where automation and accuracy are crucial. - Industries such as electronics, automotive, and aerospace for efficient production.

Problems Solved: - Ensures accurate positioning of workpieces. - Increases efficiency and productivity in manufacturing processes. - Reduces the risk of errors and rework in assembly operations.

Benefits: - Improved precision and repeatability in pick-and-place operations. - Enhanced productivity and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing. - Streamlined workflow and reduced manual labor requirements.

Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Pick-and-Place System for Industrial Automation This technology can be utilized in automated production lines across various industries, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. The market implications include cost savings, improved quality control, and faster turnaround times for manufacturing processes.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the pick-and-place system contribute to increasing efficiency in manufacturing operations? 2. What are the key advantages of using a multi-axis actuator in the actuator-clamp assemblies for workpiece orientation adjustments?

Original Abstract Submitted

a pick-and-place system includes a rigid elongate strongback, configured to be supported by a robotic arm of a robotic device. in addition, the pick-and-place system includes a plurality of actuator-clamp assemblies, mountable in spaced relation to each other on the strongback. each actuator-clamp assembly includes one or more jaw assemblies, each configured to clamp onto a localized segment of a workpiece. each actuator-clamp assembly also includes a multi-axis actuator, configured to couple the one or more jaw assemblies to the strongback and adjust an orientation of the localized segment prior to placement of the workpiece onto a mating structure.