Patent Application
20230081213
The present invention is directed to modular jig systems and methods for assembling rebar cages. More particularly, the present invention is directed to modular jig systems and methods for assembling rebar cages including partial and full automation with industrial robots.
Assembly of rebar cages for reinforced concrete application in the construction industry is not fully automated due to the physical problem of holding the workpiece as it is being assembled by industrial robots (material handling and connecting) and the process problem of automating the reconfiguration in setup for each job for a wide range of possible shapes and sizes, both of which typically require human intervention to effectuate. Specifically, assembly typically includes manual setup fixturing systems which, while reconfigurable, require human intervention to both set up the jig and fix initial workpiece components in place. Thus, no fully automated end-to-end solution has been known using only industrial robots.
Known solutions for assembly of rebar cages for reinforced concrete application in the construction industry are typically specialized purpose, non-configurable jigs which are limited-in-scope static systems. Tables are known which are designed to hold single pieces of rebar bars, primarily for use in rebar mats. These devices are not configurable for size or function. For example, existing systems fail to adequately provide for three-dimensional configuration and/or structures. Moreover, these tables utilize a compact, short, triangle shape structure to support a single bar. While multiple structures may be used for an intended application, the structures are not engineered to be part of an active system.
Jigs which are capable for reconfiguration or varied application by way of movable clamps and positioners, either manual or motor driven, are known. However, such jigs are generally for use with welding and assembling contoured workpieces. Additionally, tables utilizing evenly spaced slots capable of reconfiguring utilizing magnets are known, however, modularity of such systems is limited and is implemented for different technical applications as compared to rebar cage assembly. While modular tables are known, the modular elements are fixed in nature and highly specialized. In most instances, such systems are not designed for use in industrial robotic systems.
Known jigs for use with robotic systems are highly specialized in purpose and design and are limited to non-modular operation for assembly of articles such as mobile phones, motorcycle frames, and automobiles.
German Patent Application No. DE102017207351 (“Newly reconfigurable holder for welding”) discloses a system for joining at least two components by welding includes a magnetic base for receiving the components for welding and a flexible magnetic element configured in accordance with a weld path defining a weld connecting the components. The flexible magnetic element exerts a retaining force on the components in response to a magnetic field generated by selectively activating the magnetic base. The system may include a magnetic fixing element which is disposed adjacent to a contour edge to be welded to a component to produce a repulsive magnetic force between the flexible magnetic element and the magnetic fixing element for locating the flexible magnetic element based on the contour edge and a clearance gap for a welding apparatus for accessing a continuous weld path defined by the contour edge, providing that the welding apparatus may form a continuous weld along the weld path.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,017 (“Apparatus for placing rebar in continuously reinforced concrete paving”) discloses a transverse bar assembly for use in constructing rebar mats for reinforcement of concrete paving includes a plurality of chairs and clips each having a lower portion that affixes to a transverse bar in the direction of its length and an upper portion for orthogonally receiving and holding locked in place a longitudinal bar, the chair also having a support extending to a base surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,907 (“Rotatable reconfigurable table for holding and supporting contoured workpieces) discloses a reconfiguration table, for holding and supporting a contoured workpiece while work is performed thereon comprising a frame defining a perimeter and a plane; a plurality of support elements disposed in spaced array within the frame perimeter, each element having an end and being independently translatable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane, the ends of the elements cooperating to define a support surface for the workpiece; clamp members, supported by the frame, for selectively locking the elements in position to define the support surface; attaching members, supported by the frame independently of the support elements, for holding the workpiece on the support surface; and a gear reducer and motor for rotating the frame with the workpiece supported thereon about an axis parallel to the plane of the frame.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,162 (“Apparatus for assembling reinforcing bar pier cages”) discloses a jig for assembling a rebar pier cage wherein certain of the individual jig elements are laterally and longitudinally adjustable to provide a jig capable of assembling rebar pier cages of various sizes and shapes. The jig elements comprise a plurality of rebar stirrup retaining elements removably secured within longitudinal openings in first and second, elongated channel bars which traverse a rectangular work surface in parallel relationship. Opposite ends of the first and second channel bars are slidingly secured within longitudinal openings of third and fourth channel bars which laterally span the opposite, shorter edges of the work surface. Means are provided to adjust the longitudinal spacing between each stirrup retaining element in the first and second channel bars, and also the lateral spacing between the first and second channel bars. The work surface is pivotally connected to a table frame whereby the work surface may be moved between horizontal and vertical positions with respect to the table frame and floor.
A partial or fully automated rebar cage assembly system, modular jig system and/or method for forming a rebar cage that show one or more improvements in comparison to the prior art would be desirable in the art.
In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a modular jig for forming a rebar cage. The modular jig includes a fixture base, and a plurality of jig subcomponents. The jig subcomponents each have a jig attachment feature and a rebar retention feature. The rebar retention feature is configured to detachably receive rebar segments. The plurality of jig subcomponents are customizably arrangeable on the fixture base to form a modular jig to cooperatively position rebar segments in the rebar retention features.
In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a rebar cage assembly system. The rebar cage assembly system includes a modular jig for forming a rebar cage. The modular jig includes a fixture base, and a plurality of jig subcomponents. The jig subcomponents each have a jig attachment feature and a rebar retention feature. The rebar retention feature is configured to detachably receive rebar segments, for example, magnetically, pneumatically or hydraulically. The plurality of jig subcomponents are customizably arrangeable on the fixture base to form a modular jig to cooperatively position rebar segments in the rebar retention features. The rebar cage assembly system further includes a robotic system having a first robot and second robot and a plurality of rebar segments. The first robot is arranged and disposed to independently retrieve and position jig subcomponent and rebar segments. The second robot is arranged and disposed to join rebar segments to form a rebar cage.
In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method for assembling a rebar cage. The method includes providing a robotic system having a first robot and second robot, and a plurality of jig subcomponents and rebar segments in a staging area. The jig subcomponents each have a jig attachment feature and a rebar retention feature. The rebar retention feature is configured to detachably receive the rebar segments. A fixture base is also provided. The first robot is arranged and disposed to independently retrieve and position jig subcomponents and rebar segments on the fixture base. The second robot is arranged and disposed to join rebar segments to form the rebar cage. The method further includes providing an assembly plan for a configuration of the modular jig to the robotic system. At least one of the jig subcomponents are directed to the fixture base with the first robot to detachably engage the jig subcomponent to the fixture base, to other jig subcomponents or both. The jig subcomponents are repeatedly directed to the fixture base with the first robot until the jig subcomponents engaged to the fixture base, to other jig subcomponents or to both form the configuration of the modular jig. At least one of the rebar segments is directed to the modular jig with the first robot and positioning the rebar segment to detachably engage the rebar retention feature of at least one jig subcomponent. The rebar segments to the modular jig are repeatedly directed with the first robot until the rebar segments are positioned in a configuration that, when joined, form a rebar cage. The rebar segments are joined together with the second robot to form a rebar cage.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.
Provided are exemplary modular jig systems and methods for assembling rebar cages. Embodiments of the present disclosure, in comparison to compositions of matter and methods not utilizing one or more features disclosed herein, include increased automation, increased efficiency, increased production speed, increased modularity, or combinations thereof. The modular jig system, according to the present invention, provides a cost savings by use of a single jig system for a broad range of assembled shapes and sizes that would otherwise require a variety of different fixtures or machines and the space to set them up. Likewise, the modular jig system, according to the present invention, reduces or eliminates the manual labor involved to prepare rebar cages into shapes/sizes that are not feasible in current state of the art systems. Further, the modular jig system, according to the present invention, provides time savings achieved via automation of the setup and breakdown process. Further, the modular jig system, according to the present invention, provides cost savings associated with easy replacement of broken, lost or worn out components due to the modular design and provides reduced downtime and work time due to modular fixturing having rebar retention features which creates instantaneous secure connections with rebar components versus a mechanical fixture requiring tightening or closure. Further still, the modular jig system, according to the present invention, provides both rebar retention features, such as magnetic, hydraulically actuated, pneumatically actuated, or electrically actuated brackets, as well as reconfigurable jig engagement features, such as tracks or mechanical features, to provide greater flexibility in rebar cage geometry.
Previous attempts at improved rebar cage construction utilize manually setup fixturing systems which while reconfigurable require human intervention to both setup the jig and fix initial work piece components in place. None of these solutions provide a process by which industrial robots may perform this segment of the workflow resulting in a more fully automated end to end solution. The modular design of the present invention solves the problem of manual setup by allowing for automated, robotic setup. An extensive selection of intercompatible component variants supporting different functions as well as bar configurations and spacing will allow for a wide range of possible cage assemblies.
The modular and reconfigurable nature of the system facilitates a solution to the problem of manual setup and breakdown. In addition, the modular jig system, according to the present disclosure, addresses the problem of configuration design present in known systems. In known systems someone with knowledge of fixturing has to figure out the best configuration and assembly process and then teach it to the workers doing the assembly. The system, according to the present disclosure, programmatically solved issues of the prior art by an integrated software and hardware solution.
In one embodiment, the jig system addresses the problem of fixing in place and guiding the work of industrial robots in the automated assembly of rebar cages for reinforced concrete applications in the construction industry. The modular jig system, according to the present disclosure, addresses the physical problem of holding the workpiece as it is being assembled by two collaborative industrial robots (e.g., a material handling robot and a connecting robot) and the process problem of automating the reconfiguration in setup for each job (for a wide range of possible shapes and sizes) with little or no human intervention.
In one embodiment, a modular jig system according to the present disclosure facilitates the assembly of rebar cages in a partially or fully automated process by industrial robots. The industrial robots are responsible for both jig setup and configuration as well as assembling the rebar cage workpiece thereby delivering an end to end flexible manufacturing process.
The modular jig system, according to the present invention, includes design for integration with industrial robots including during setup facilitates a partially or fully automated process with little or no need for manual setup or loading of the jig. The modular and reconfigurable design of the modular jig facilitates a wide range of cage shapes and sizes to be assembled using the same hardware. The modular jig system allows for fast setup and simple and inexpensive replacement of damaged or worn components thereby reducing downtime. The fixturing elements, such as the magnetic, hydraulically actuated, pneumatically actuated, or electrically actuated brackets, reduce mechanical points of failure and save time.
The modular jig 103 is made up of a plurality of jig subcomponents 107 provided by a robotic system 113 from a supply of jig subcomponents 107 in a staging area 109. The jig subcomponents 107 each include a jig attachment feature 115 and a rebar retention feature 117. The jig attachment feature 115 includes a feature that detachably engages the fixture engagement feature 111 of the fixture. In addition, jig attachment feature 115 may include a feature that detachably engages other jig subcomponents 107 to position the jig subcomponents 107 with respect to each other to a jig geometry for modular jig 103. The jig attachment features 115 that detachably engage the fixture base 105 may the same or different than the features that detachably engage the other jig subcomponents 107. The plurality of jig subcomponents 107 are customizably arrangeable on the fixture base 105 to form a modular jig 103 to cooperatively position rebar segments 110 in the rebar retention features 117. Suitable rebar retention features 117 include, but are not limited to, a magnet, hydraulic fastening slot, magnetic fastening slot, a pneumatically actuated slot or an electrically actuated slot. For example, the rebar retention feature 117 may be a structure having one or more magnets or magnetic fastening slots that are arranged to magnetically engage a rebar segment into a desired position. In addition, the rebar retention feature 117 may be an actuated slot made up of two or more surfaces that close and engage a jig segment, once the jig segment, such as a stirrup, has been placed between them, thus fixing the stirrup in place. The pneumatically actuated slot is actuated with compressed gas driving surfaces of the rebar retention feature 117 into engagement upon activation of an electronic or mechanical trigger. The hydraulically actuated slot is actuated with fluid that drives surfaces of the rebar retention feature 117 into engagement upon activation of an electronic or mechanical trigger. The plurality of jig subcomponents 107 are customizably arrangeable on the fixture base 105 to form the modular jig 103. The plurality of rebar segments 110 are detachably engaged to the modular jig 103 forming a geometry to be joined together into a rebar cage. The detachable engagement between the jig attachment feature 115 and the fixture engagement feature 111 allows disengagement for disassembly but provides sufficient engagement to position and retain the rebar segments 110 to permit joining of the rebar segments to form a rebar cage.
The rebar segments 110 are provided to the modular jig 103 from the staging area 109 by the robotic system 113. The robotic system 113 includes a first robot 119 and a second robot 121. The first robot 119 is arranged and disposed to independently retrieve and position jig subcomponents 107 and rebar segments 110. Suitable robotic systems for the first robot 119 include, but are not limited to, 6-axis industrial robots having an external axis or other material handling robots having a high degree of geometric freedom when placing material. Suitable robots for use as the first robot 119 include, for example, an ABB 6700 6-axis industrial robot (available from ABB Robotics). In other words, material can be placed essentially at any orientation within the robot's reach. In other embodiments, the first robot 119 may include external linear axes to extend the robot's reach. In one embodiment, the robotic arm has a payload of up to 235 kg and is capable of reaching up to 2.65 m from its base. The second robot 121 is arranged and disposed to join rebar segments 110 to form a rebar cage. Suitable robotic systems for the second robot 121 include, but are not limited to, 6-axis industrial robots configured with wire tying implements or welding implements or other metal joining robots. Second robot 121 may be the same or different than first robot 119, as described above. Second robot 121 may utilize any known implement for tying wire or welding metal to join the rebar segments. In one embodiment, the first robot 119 and second robot 121 are separate industrial robots. In another embodiment, the first robot 119 and second robot 121 are a single industrial robot, such as an industrial robot with an interchangeable head portion. In addition, the robotic system includes a sensor arrangement that provides, for example, optical or electronic verification of positioning of jig subcomponents 107 and rebar segments.
In an embodiment, robotic system 113, including the first robot 119, the second robot 121 and the sensor system, may include, among other things, one or more computing devices such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like, or any combinations thereof, and can include discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronics, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, robotic system 113 includes one or more ASICs having a plurality of predefined logic components. In an embodiment, robotic system 113 includes one or more FPGAs, each having a plurality of programmable logic components.
In an embodiment, robotic system 113 may include one or more electric circuits, printed circuits, flexible circuits, electrical conductors, electrodes, cavity resonators, conducting traces, ceramic patterned electrodes, electro-mechanical components, transducers, and the like.
In an embodiment, robotic system 113 may include one or more components operably coupled (e.g., communicatively, electromagnetically, magnetically, ultrasonically, optically, inductively, electrically, capacitively coupled, wirelessly coupled, and the like) to each other. In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more remotely located components. In an embodiment, remotely located components are operably coupled, for example, via wireless communication. In an embodiment, remotely located components are operably coupled, for example, via one or more communication modules, receivers, transmitters, transceivers, and the like.
In an embodiment, robotic system 113 includes memory that, for example, stores instructions or information. Non-limiting examples of memory include volatile memory (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), and the like), non-volatile memory (e.g., Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), and the like), persistent memory, and the like. Further non-limiting examples of memory include Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, and the like. In an embodiment, memory is coupled to, for example, one or more computing devices by one or more instructions, information, or power buses.
In an embodiment, robotic system 113 includes a computer-readable media drive or memory slot that is configured to accept signal-bearing medium (e.g., computer-readable memory media, computer-readable recording media, and the like). In an embodiment, a program for causing a system to execute any of the disclosed methods can be stored on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium, a signal-bearing medium, and the like. Non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media include a recordable type medium, such as a magnetic tape, floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), Blu-Ray Disc, a digital tape, a computer memory, and the like, as well as transmission type medium, such as a digital or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., receiver, transmitter, transceiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.). Further non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media include, but are not limited to, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-ROM, Super Audio CD, CD-R, CD+R, CD+RW, CD-RW, Video Compact Discs, Super Video Discs, flash memory, magnetic tape, magneto-optic disk, MINIDISC, non-volatile memory card, EEPROM, optical disk, optical storage, RAM, ROM, system memory, web server, and the like.
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While the invention has been described with reference to one or more embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, all numerical values identified in the detailed description shall be interpreted as though the precise and approximate values are both expressly identified.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,332, filed Oct. 18, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2019/056751 | 10/17/2019 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62747332 | Oct 2018 | US |
