Multi-directional mobile robotic cell
AssigneeRimrock Automation, Inc.
InventorsBrent Wessel, Lance F. Guymon, Michael Olson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed is a mobile robotic arm workcell. A robotic arm is mounted on a superstructure that carries all the equipment associated with the workcell's task. Thus, the workcell is self-contained needing only power. The workcell may be moved by activating air bearings that are pressurized by an air compressor that is also mounted on the superstructure. Power is received via power contacts that engage a power rail. Guidance is provided a guide system. The guide system may include guide rails engaged by guide carriages. Propulsion is provided by a drive system that may engage the guide system or the factory floor.
Claims20
A mobile self-contained robotic workcell, comprising:
- a multi-degree of freedom robot arm;
- a gantry supporting said robot arm;
- an air bearing that selectively lifts said gantry off of a supporting surface for low-friction movement;
- a first drive system that engages a first drive surface while said gantry is lifted off of said supporting surface by said air bearing to propel said gantry in a first direction;
- a second drive system that engages a second drive surface while said gantry is lifted off of said supporting surface by said air bearing to propel said gantry in a second direction;
- and,
- a first guide carriage that engages a first guide track, the first guide carriage limiting said gantry to movement in said first direction.
A mobile self-contained robotic arm workcell, comprising:
- a superstructure;
- a multi-degree of freedom robotic arm supported by said superstructure;
- at least one air bearing, the at least one air bearing selectively lifting said superstructure from a position resting on a support surface to an elevated position, the elevated position allowing for low friction movement of said superstructure across said support surface;
- and,
- a guide carriage that engages a first guide rail that directs a first movement of said superstructure while said superstructure is moved in said elevated position.
A method of moving a robotic arm workcell, comprising:
- activating an air compressor contained on the workcell that supplies air to an air bearing, the air bearing lifting the workcell from a position resting on a support surface to an elevated position, the elevated position allowing for low friction movement of said workcell across said support surface;
- engaging a first guide carriage to a first guide rail to limit a movement of said workcell across said support surface to a first direction;
- engaging a first drive system to propel said workcell across said support surface in said first direction;
- engaging a second guide carriage to a second guide rail to limit said movement of said workcell across said support surface to a second direction;
- and,
- engaging a second drive system to propel said workcell across said support surface in said second direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.