Alternating Conveyor System with Asymmetric Source Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional workpiece conveyor systems require complicated processes for supplying workpieces to multiple holding containers at different positions, making the supply and additional processing steps cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The system arranges two conveyor devices with workpiece holding parts that match positions at the source area, allowing a single supply point and enabling posture changes between the destination and source areas using a rotating mechanism, simplifying the supply and additional processing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two conveyor devices are arranged in parallel to alternately convey workpieces, then the cycle time is shortened, but the workpiece supply process becomes complicated due to different supply positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging the two conveyor devices at different positions in the source area, with one conveyor device positioned at a first position and the other at a second position. This asymmetric arrangement allows each conveyor device to have dedicated supply positions, simplifying the workpiece supply process while maintaining the parallel alternate conveyance configuration that reduces cycle time.
2Productivity
If holding containers are positioned at different locations in the source area, then parallel conveyance is enabled, but additional processes become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the source area into multiple distinct positions (first position and second position) and assigning each conveyor device its own dedicated position. This segmentation allows additional processes to be performed at each position independently, simplifying the overall process complexity while enabling parallel conveyance operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a workpiece supply device positions workpieces at two different positions, then supply to parallel conveyors is achieved, but the supply process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the workpiece supply device to be capable of supplying workpieces to multiple positions (first position and second position) in the source area. This multi-functional supply device can serve both conveyor devices, enabling adaptability to supply workpieces to parallel conveyors while managing the supply process complexity through a unified device design.
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece convey system comprising two conveyor devices which alternately convey workpieces from a source area to a destination area, wherein each of the two conveyor devices is provided with a workpiece holding part which can hold a workpiece, and a movement mechanism which moves the workpiece holding part back and forth between the source area and the destination area, the two conveyor devices being arranged so as to match the positions where their respective workpiece holding parts are stopped within the source area.