AGV Tool Change Layout for Faster Sheet Metal Press Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet metal press systems are complex, space-intensive, and limited in speed due to the need for separate stacker cranes serving multiple presses, which is a drawback in high-production industries like automotive where frequent tool changes are required.
Innovation Solution
A sheet metal press system utilizing automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that run on the shop floor, capable of lifting and lowering tools through the press system, with a guide path from outside the press to facilitate quick and efficient tool changes, and a method involving two alternating AGVs per press for rapid tool exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stacker cranes and rails are used to transport tools between presses, then tools can be exchanged between multiple presses, but the system becomes complex and requires large shop floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the AGV platform: tool transport, tool positioning, and press interaction are all integrated into a single mobile unit. This eliminates the need for separate stacker cranes and rail systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining tool exchange capability between multiple presses
Solution Approach 2:
The AGV is designed as a universal platform that can serve multiple presses and perform multiple operations (transporting different tool types, positioning tools at various locations, interacting with different press models). This single universal system replaces the need for dedicated stacker cranes for each press, reducing both complexity and space requirements
2Area of stationary object
If stacker cranes serve multiple presses through shared stations, then space is reduced, but tool change speed is limited by the need for each crane to serve its own station
Solution Approach 1:
The AGV system is fully mobile and dynamically repositionable, allowing multiple AGVs to operate independently and simultaneously service different presses. This dynamic capability enables faster tool changes compared to fixed stacker crane stations, as AGVs can directly approach any press without navigating through shared stations
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple AGVs can operate in parallel, with each AGV continuously servicing its assigned press or queue of presses. This eliminates the idle time that occurs when a single stacker crane must wait between servicing different presses, maintaining continuous productive action and increasing overall tool change speed
3Device complexity
If automated guided vehicles are used for tool transport, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle frequent tool changes at high production rates may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tool handling function into multiple independent AGV units rather than using a single complex centralized system. Each AGV is a simple, standardized unit that can be replicated and deployed in numbers proportional to production requirements, maintaining low individual complexity while achieving high overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Tools are pre-positioned on AGVs before they approach the press, and multiple AGVs can be pre-positioned in queues waiting to service presses. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time during tool changes, enabling the simplified AGV system to keep up with high production rates despite the reduced mechanical complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a sheet metal press system (1) and a method used in connection therewith. The sheet metal press system comprises at least one sheet metal press (3-7) having an opening (10) through which a tool (18a, 8b), which comprises an upper die (19), a lower die (20) and a tool changer interface (21), can pass during a tool change performed by means of a tool changer device. The tool changer device comprises at least one automated guided vehicle (22a, 22b), running on a shop floor (2) and capable of lifting and lowering a tool (18a, 18b) by interaction with the tool changer interface (21) of said tool, wherein a guide path for said at least one automated guided vehicle (22a, 22b) runs from outside and into said at least one sheet metal press (3-7) through said opening (10). The method comprises alternating use of a first and a second automated guided vehicle (22a, 22b) during a tool changing operation.