Abb Flexible Automation, Inc.

James A Hoffmann

Douglas L St Onge

A stabilizing fixture particularly suited for use with a robot end effector and holding relatively flexible components while they are cut, trimmed, or otherwise machined by the end effector. The fixture includes a chassis with wheels and a plurality of upwardly projecting posts that support an upper frame. The upper frame defines a platform for supporting, aligning, and stabilizing a flexible workpiece. The frame includes a two L-shaped brackets to support the workpiece and one or more vacuum-powered suction cups for tightly gripping and holding the workpiece against the brackets.

Compliant end effector for an industrial robot

A compliant end effector particularly suited for use with a robotic arm for accurately cutting and trimming the edges of a hot molded sheet of flexible plastic. The compliant end effector includes a mount secured to the robotic arm, an adjustment assembly pivotally attached to the mount, a guide that engages the plastic sheet near the area to be cut and trimmed, a tool for cutting and trimming the flexible sheet, and a pneumatic cylinder that biases the guide into engagement with the flexible sheet and presses the sheet against a rigid surface. The pneumatic cylinder moves the guide and tool through a range of positions as the robotic arm moves along a single path of travel down the length of the flexible sheet. The guide remains in contact with the flexible sheet despite warping or other imperfections in the stabilizing surface. The tool is fixed a predetermined distance from the guide to ensure that the plastic sheet is cut and trimmed within specific tolerances. By rotating the end effector, tabs and recesses can be formed in the edge of the flexible sheet while the robot moves along its single path of travel.

Growing community of inventors

Waukesha, WI, United States of America

James A Hoffmann