US4577284A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adaptive robot batch assembly system
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1984-11-20
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Granted: 1986-03-18
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Expires: 2004-11-20
Abstract
Abstract A technique for accomplishing automated small batch assembly using a sophisticated computer program controlled robot (8) is disclosed wherein the robot work envelope (51) is divided into three independent work areas. Each work area is provided with a port (53, 55, 57) to which a self-contained, task oriented mobile workstation (130) may be attached. Manipulator (10) is controlled to perform the steps associated with the assembly tasks on the mobile workstations in priority sequence.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur E. Christy
- 👤 Elmer J. Gill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 01:03
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/418; G05B19/41815; G05B19/4182; B; B23; B23P; B23P21/00; B23P21/002; B23Q; B23Q7/00; B23Q7/04; B23Q7/046; B25; B25J; B25J21/00; Y; Y02; Y02P; Y02P90/00; Y02P90/02; Y10; Y10S; Y10S483/00; Y10S483/901; Y10S700/00; Y10S700/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
An adaptive assembly system comprising: a computer controlled robotic manipulator for performing a plurality of assembly task sequences; and a plurality of task oriented workstations, each workstation containing all parts and tooling for supporting and supplying a given assembly task, each task oriented workstation being selectively positionable in locking engagement with framework supporting the manipulator whereby the manipulator may advance from one workstation to another with no down time associated therewith.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
An adaptive assembly system comprising: a computer controlled robotic manipulator for performing a plurality of assembly task sequences; and a plurality of task oriented workstations, each workstation containing all parts and tooling for supporting and supplying a given assembly task, each task oriented workstation being selectively positionable in locking engagement with framework supporting the manipulator whereby the manipulator may advance from one workstation to another with no down time associated therewith.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
96 words
A method of improving automated assembly operation throughout by reducing down time associated with assembly task changeover comprising the steps of: providing a computer controlled robotic manipulator with a plurality of program sequences, each program sequence associated with a particular assembly task; designing self-contained workstations each including all of the parts and manipulator graspable tools for performing a particular assembly task; and placing a plurality of said individual self-contained task oriented workstations adjacent the computer controlled manipulator; and initiating robot operation for progressing from one of said workstations to another to execute the associated programming sequences.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
96 words
A method of improving automated assembly operation throughout by reducing down time associated with assembly task changeover comprising the steps of: providing a computer controlled robotic manipulator with a plurality of program sequences, each program sequence associated with a particular assembly task; designing self-contained workstations each including all of the parts and manipulator graspable tools for performing a particular assembly task; and placing a plurality of said individual self-contained task oriented workstations adjacent the computer controlled manipulator; and initiating robot operation for progressing from one of said workstations to another to execute the associated programming sequences.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
104 words
Apparatus for enabling a computer controlled robot adapter for performing a variety of independent assembly tasks to sequentially perform these tasks in an improved manner comprising: a plurality of indpendently constructed workstation carts, each workstation cart having thereon means for supplying parts, assembled subassemblies, and tools and fixtures used by the robot for performing a complete assembly task sequence; means for attaching a plurality of said workstation carts to the robot; and means for providing sequences of programming instructions to the robot for progressing from a first workstation cart to another when no further assembly tasks can be performed at the first workstation cart.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
104 words
Apparatus for enabling a computer controlled robot adapter for performing a variety of independent assembly tasks to sequentially perform these tasks in an improved manner comprising: a plurality of indpendently constructed workstation carts, each workstation cart having thereon means for supplying parts, assembled subassemblies, and tools and fixtures used by the robot for performing a complete assembly task sequence; means for attaching a plurality of said workstation carts to the robot; and means for providing sequences of programming instructions to the robot for progressing from a first workstation cart to another when no further assembly tasks can be performed at the first workstation cart.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
A flexible manufacturing system comprising: a programmable manipulator supported in a frame and adapted for grasping a plurality of tools; a plurality of movable workstations adapted for mechanical connection to the frame supporting the manipulator, each workstation being supplied with parts and tools graspable by the manipulator for performing assembly tasks; and program means for directing the manipulator to sequentially perform the tasks associated with each workstation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
67 words
A flexible manufacturing system comprising: a programmable manipulator supported in a frame and adapted for grasping a plurality of tools; a plurality of movable workstations adapted for mechanical connection to the frame supporting the manipulator, each workstation being supplied with parts and tools graspable by the manipulator for performing assembly tasks; and program means for directing the manipulator to sequentially perform the tasks associated with each workstation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 4 wherein each workstation contains parts and tooling for a plurality of individual tasks.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 4 wherein a workstation includes only the parts and tooling for some of the steps of an assembly task sequence.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
73 words
An improved adaptive assembly system comprising: robot means for performing a variety of tasks under computer program control; a plurality of carts selectively attachable to the robot, each cart providing a self-contained workstation having all parts, fixtures and tools necessary for a given assembly task; and program means for causing the robot to change its location from a first cart to another cart when unable to perform further tasks at the first cart.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
73 words
An improved adaptive assembly system comprising: robot means for performing a variety of tasks under computer program control; a plurality of carts selectively attachable to the robot, each cart providing a self-contained workstation having all parts, fixtures and tools necessary for a given assembly task; and program means for causing the robot to change its location from a first cart to another cart when unable to perform further tasks at the first cart.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-03-17 | 1989-09-16 | 1990-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-17 | 1993-09-16 | 1994-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-17 | 1997-09-16 | 1998-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |