18177954. ROBOTIC ARM ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER simplified abstract (Ford Global Technologies, LLC)

ROBOTIC ARM ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER

Organization Name

Ford Global Technologies, LLC

Inventor(s)

Jon Zimmerman of Ferndale MI (US)

Hussein Chami of Dearborn MI (US)

Brian Mcintyre of Dexter MI (US)

Francis Maslar of Grosse Ile MI (US)

Raj Sohmshetty of Canton MI (US)

Yifan Chen of Ann Arbor MI (US)

Smruti Panigrahi of Novi MI (US)

ROBOTIC ARM ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18177954 titled 'ROBOTIC ARM ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER

The abstract describes a tool for a robotic arm designed to move an electric charger to an electric vehicle. The tool includes a base secured to the robotic arm, a vision sensor, a hook with an arcuate shape, and a gripper with retractable fingers.

• The tool is configured to move an electric charger to an electric vehicle using a robotic arm.
• It includes a base that can be attached to the robotic arm for stability.
• A vision sensor is integrated into the base to provide visual feedback for precise positioning.
• The hook at the end of the tool has an arcuate shape to securely hold the electric charger.
• A gripper with retractable fingers allows for easy grasping and releasing of the charger.

Potential Applications: - Automated charging stations for electric vehicles - Industrial automation in manufacturing plants - Robotics in logistics and warehouse operations

Problems Solved: - Efficient and precise charging of electric vehicles - Streamlining manufacturing processes with automation - Enhancing productivity and accuracy in logistics tasks

Benefits: - Increased efficiency in charging electric vehicles - Reduced manual labor in manufacturing and logistics - Improved accuracy and speed in repetitive tasks

Commercial Applications: Title: "Robotic Arm Tool for Electric Vehicle Charging: Commercial Uses and Market Implications" This technology can be utilized in the development of automated charging stations for electric vehicles, enhancing the convenience and accessibility of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. It can also be integrated into industrial automation systems to improve efficiency and productivity in manufacturing and logistics operations.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the vision sensor contribute to the functionality of the tool?

  The vision sensor provides visual feedback to ensure precise positioning of the electric charger, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.

2. What are the potential cost savings associated with implementing this robotic arm tool in industrial settings?

  By reducing manual labor and improving productivity, this tool can lead to significant cost savings for businesses.

Original Abstract Submitted

A tool for a robotic arm is configured to move an electric charger to an electric vehicle. The tool includes a base configured to be secured to the robotic arm, a vision sensor disposed on the base, a hook including a proximal end fixed to the base, a distal end having an arcuate shape, and a void defined between the proximal end and the distal end, and a gripper extending below the base. The gripper includes a track, two opposing fingers configured to move along the track, and an actuator configured to retract the two opposing fingers along the track.