3D Tool Magazine Layout for Faster Machine Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool magazines for machine tools require excessive space and time for tool changes due to the linear arrangement of tools, leading to inefficient use of production area and prolonged transfer device movements.
Innovation Solution
Tools are arranged both next to and behind each other in the tool magazine, allowing for three-dimensional storage and utilizing a transfer device that can rotate and move along axes to efficiently access tools, with grippers for intermediate storage and movement optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tools are arranged side by side in a two-dimensional shelf to ensure direct accessibility, then every tool is directly accessible, but the tool magazine expands greatly and requires long travel distances for the transfer device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional shelf arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement where tools are positioned on multiple levels. The transfer device includes a vertical movement mechanism that can transport tools between different heights, enabling access to tools on upper and lower levels without expanding the horizontal footprint of the tool magazine.
2Quantity of substance
If tools are arranged side by side with a large number of tools, then more tools can be stored, but the transfer device has to travel long distances causing high time requirement for tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
By stacking tools vertically on multiple levels, the patent increases tool storage capacity without proportionally increasing the horizontal distance the transfer device must travel. The vertical transport mechanism enables efficient access to tools on different levels, reducing overall tool change time compared to linear horizontal arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool magazine structure utilizes vertical space by nesting tool levels one above another, similar to nested dolls. This allows the transfer device to access tools on different levels through vertical movement rather than traveling long horizontal distances, thereby reducing tool change time while maintaining high tool storage capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If tools are arranged in a linear fashion to simplify logistics, then logistics become simple, but a disproportionately large amount of space is required with most space lost as free movement space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains logistics simplicity by implementing systematic vertical transport mechanisms while dramatically improving space utilization. The transfer device can efficiently move tools between levels through controlled vertical movement, eliminating the excessive free movement space required by linear horizontal arrangements and achieving compact three-dimensional tool storage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool magazine for providing tools for a machine tool, wherein the tool magazine has a plurality of storage positions for tools. A first tool can be removed or inserted from a first receiving position along a removal direction, and at least one further receiving position is provided for receiving a further tool.