Adjustable Workpiece Receptacles for Machining Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining devices have low throughput due to processing stations with long processing times, limiting the ability to supply workpieces simultaneously to multiple stations.
Innovation Solution
A device with a transport unit featuring adjustable turret heads and multiple processing stations arranged in series, allowing for simultaneous processing and increased cycle frequency by pivoting or displacing receptacles during the processing cycle, enabling multiple workpieces to be processed concurrently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single processing station is used to machine workpieces, then the device structure remains simple, but the throughput is limited by the processing time at that station
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple processing stations (first processing station and second processing station) arranged in series along the transport direction. Each station performs the same machining operation on workpieces, allowing parallel processing of multiple workpieces simultaneously, thereby increasing throughput without requiring a single complex processing station
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple processing stations performing identical operations are combined into a single device with a shared transport unit and control system. The receptacles are designed to hold multiple workpieces and can be positioned at multiple stations simultaneously, merging transport and processing functions to achieve high throughput
2Productivity
If the receptacles are fixed in position on the transport unit, then the structure remains simple, but the assembly cycle frequency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacles are made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing them to be pivoted and/or displaced in the transport direction during the processing cycle. This dynamic positioning enables intermediate cycles to be inserted for loading/unloading workpieces, significantly increasing assembly cycle frequency while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacles are pre-adjusted to positions that facilitate efficient loading and unloading of workpieces. By anticipating the need for frequent loading/unloading operations, the system performs preliminary positioning adjustments that enable faster cycle times without requiring complex real-time adjustments during processing
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for machining workpieces (4), comprising at least one first machining station (1) in which the workpieces (4) can be machined during a working phase of a machining cycle consisting of the working phase and a transport phase, and a transport unit (3) which has first receptacles (5) for the workpieces (4), and by means of which the workpieces (4) can be supplied to the first machining station (1) during the transport phase by transport in a transport direction (3a), is characterized in that at least one second machining station (2) is arranged at a distance in the transport direction (3a) behind the first machining station (1), and the first receptacles (5) are adjustably arranged on the transport unit (3).