Adjustable Workpiece Handling Device for Compact Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece handling devices are not compact enough and require significant technical effort, struggling to adapt to varying workpiece geometries and spatial constraints, especially in cramped areas like near processing devices.
Innovation Solution
A device with adjustable support structure segments and holding elements, driven by motor-controlled toothed gears, allowing for flexible configuration of the holding element field in both axial directions, enabling adaptation to workpiece geometries and spatial conditions, with a common segment feed drive minimizing costs and structural dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing workpiece handling devices are used, then workpieces can be handled, but the devices are not compact enough and require significant technical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple support structure segments that can be independently adjusted relative to each other. This segmentation allows the device to achieve compact configurations when needed while maintaining the capability to handle various workpiece sizes, thereby reducing overall device volume without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure segments are made dynamically adjustable through motor-controlled toothed gears, allowing the device to change its configuration based on the workpiece being handled. This dynamic adaptability enables the same device to be compact for small workpieces and expanded for larger ones, optimizing volume while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed support structures are used, then device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to varying workpiece geometries and spatial constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamically adjustable one, where support structure segments can be repositioned along first and second axes to match varying workpiece geometries and spatial constraints, thereby achieving adaptability while controlling complexity through systematic design
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable support structure segments with holding elements can accommodate multiple workpiece types and geometries, making the device universally applicable. The same structural components serve multiple functions by being repositioned, avoiding the need for multiple specialized devices and thus controlling overall complexity
3Ease of operation
If separate drive units are used for each support structure segment, then each segment can be precisely controlled, but the device mass and structural dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drive functions are merged into a single motor unit that controls the positioning of support structure segments along both the first and second axes. This consolidation reduces the total mass of drive components while maintaining precise control capability through coordinated motion of the toothed gear mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
A single motor-driven toothed gear mechanism serves multiple functions by controlling the relative positioning of support structure segments in two different directions. This multi-functional drive system reduces the number of separate drive units needed, thereby reducing device mass while preserving control precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves a compact, adaptable, and flexible workpiece handling system that can handle workpieces of varying sizes and geometries, minimizing collisions and optimizing space usage, while reducing overall mass and structural dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
motor-controlled toothed gears, allowing for flexible configuration of the holding element field in both axial directions
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for handling workpieces on a workpiece support defining a workpiece support level comprises a support structure (6) consisting of support structure segments (7), a guide device (12) provided for the support structure segments (7), and holding elements with which the support structure segments (7) of the support structure (6) are provided and which can be attached to the workpieces to be handled for fixing the workpieces. The support structure segments (7) form at least two segment arrangements which can be motor-controlled and adjusted relative to each other on the guide device (12) by changing the planar extent of the support structure (6) along a first axis (X-axis), and at least one of which is designed as a multi-segment arrangement (8/1, 8/2, 8/3) with at least two support structure segments (7).The support structure segments (7) of at least one multi-segment arrangement (8/1, 8/2, 8/3) are motor-controlled and adjustable relative to each other along a second axis (Y-axis) of the main plane of the support structure (6), thereby changing the planar extent of the support structure (6). A machine arrangement for processing, preferably for cutting, workpieces, in particular sheet metal, comprises a device (1) of the aforementioned type.