Adaptive apparatus and system for automated handling of components

US10781056B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Dragan Filipovic · Garching bei München, DE
• Sultan Shair · Ismaning, DE
• Mathias Ernst Messmer · Lenggries, DE
• Stefaan Guido Van Nieuwenhove · Bad Abbach, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 22, 2016
• Grant date: Sep 22, 2020
• Expiry date: Dec 22, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/60
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Various adaptive apparatus and systems for automated handling of components such as composite plies are provided. In one embodiment, a ply manipulation system is provided that comprises an automated machine having an arm, and a ply manipulation tool attached to the arm of the automated machine. The ply manipulation tool includes a first shuttle including a first gripper, a second shuttle including a second gripper, and an actuator. The ply manipulation system further comprises a processor that automatically controls the actuator to move the first and second shuttles linearly with respect to one another to adapt the first and second grippers to a ply shape. In another embodiment, the first and second shuttles include one or more clamping elements moveable to a position to be deployed outside a perimeter of the ply. Methods for removing a ply from a sheet of material using a ply manipulation tool also are provided.