Machining Assembly With AGV Support for Force-Stable Workpiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining arrangements require multiple transfer steps and increased transport time due to loading and unloading at processing stations, which inefficiencies are exacerbated by the need for force absorption during machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A machining arrangement featuring a driverless transport vehicle with a workpiece holder and a support device that absorbs forces applied by the machining station, eliminating the need for loading and unloading at the processing station and allowing for force-absorbing machining processes without changing the workpiece's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workpieces are loaded and unloaded at the machining station using conventional transport devices, then the machining process can be performed, but the transport time of the workpiece increases and the overall processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is integrated directly into the machining station, merging the support function with the machining station. This eliminates the need for separate loading and unloading operations by conventional transport devices, as the AGV can drive directly over the support device to position the workpiece holder, thereby reducing transport time and improving overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The support device acts as an intermediary between the AGV and the machining station. It provides a stable support surface for the workpiece holder while allowing the AGV to drive over it, facilitating direct positioning without requiring traditional loading and unloading mechanisms, thus reducing transport time
2Ease of operation
If conventional transport devices are used to load and unload workpieces at the machining station, then workpiece transport is possible, but additional space is required at the machining station for the transfer process
Solution Approach 1:
The support device merges the support function with the machining station structure. By integrating the support device into the machining station, the system eliminates the need for separate loading and unloading spaces that would be required for conventional transport devices, thereby reducing the overall space requirement at the machining station
Solution Approach 2:
The support device serves multiple functions: it provides support for the workpiece holder, acts as a driving surface for the AGV, and serves as part of the machining station structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated loading and unloading spaces, optimizing the use of space at the machining station
3Device complexity
If the workpiece is held only by the workpiece holder during machining, then the setup is simple, but forces applied to the workpiece by the machining station cause the workpiece to change position
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into two parts: the workpiece holder that attaches to the AGV and the support device that is integrated into the machining station. This segmentation allows the workpiece holder to remain simple while the support device provides additional stability during machining, preventing position changes without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support device acts as an intermediary between the workpiece holder and the machining station. It provides additional support and stability during machining operations, absorbing forces applied to the workpiece and preventing position changes, while the workpiece holder itself remains relatively simple in design
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machining arrangement for machining workpieces, wherein the machining arrangement 1, 1.1 comprises a driverless transport vehicle 2, 2.1 with a workpiece holder and at least one machining station 4, 4.1 and wherein at least the driverless transport vehicle 2, 2.1 is movable relative to the machining station 4, 4.1, such that a workpiece 12, 12.1 received in the workpiece holder can be transported into a machining position by means of the driverless transport vehicle 2, 2.1. It is proposed to provide a support device which, when the workpiece 12, 12.1 is in the machining position, engages the driverless transport vehicle 2, 2.1 or the workpiece 12, 12.1 held in the driverless transport vehicle 2, 2.1 in such a way that forces applied to the workpiece 12, 12.1 by the machining station 4, 4.1 can be absorbed by the support device without changing the position of the workpiece 12, 12.1.