Software assisted clamping point classification and position optimization for the efficient flexibilization of carbody fixtures using mathematical geometry-based search algorithms

The Fraunhofer IWU has been developed specialized clamping robots for production of different car-models on one fixture. One of the challenges with universal clamping of different components is the contact point between part and clamping device. For the optimization of the clamping contours, a software was developed with which the geometries of the clamping points can be automatically analyzed and classified. With target search criteria, the clamping position on the component can be changed so that the clamping contours are geometrically simplified. Thus, a huge reduction in the complexity of the flexible clamping device is possible.