Automatic Tool Changer With Dynamic Transporter Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In machining centers, the time-consuming process of switching between different tools during various processing stages increases the overall time required to complete a work piece, as tools need to be manually changed, leading to inefficiencies in machine operation.
Innovation Solution
A tool changing system comprising a tool magazine, a tool transporter, and an automatic tool changer (ATC) that includes a tool holder and a tool changer, allowing for automated tool exchange, enabling the tool transporter to perform other tasks while the ATC holder secures tools during the change process, thereby reducing wait times and improving operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tool changing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic tool changing where the tool transporter autonomously retrieves tools from the magazine and delivers them to the ATC without manual intervention. The ATC then automatically exchanges tools with the machine tool, making the entire process self-service and eliminating operator involvement in tool changing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool transporter acts as an intermediary component between the tool magazine and the ATC. It retrieves tools from the magazine, holds them at the transfer position, and delivers them to the ATC, facilitating automatic tool exchange without requiring direct interaction between the magazine and the machine tool.
2Reliability
If the tool transporter waits at the tool transfer position during automatic tool change, then tool availability is ensured, but loss of time increases due to idle waiting
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the positioning of the tool transporter based on the tool change status. When the ATC requires a tool, the transporter is positioned at the transfer position. When the tool change is complete or not yet required, the transporter moves away from the transfer position to perform other tasks, creating a dynamic rather than static arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool transporter preliminarily retrieves and positions tools at the transfer position before they are needed by the ATC. This preliminary action ensures that tools are ready and available when the automatic tool change is initiated, eliminating delays caused by tool retrieval during the critical tool change moment.
3Productivity
If automated tool changing is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The tool transporter serves multiple functions: it transports tools from the magazine to the ATC, holds tools at the transfer position during tool changes, and can move away to perform other tasks when not needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If the tool transporter remains positioned at the tool transfer position, then tool exchange reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to inability to perform other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically positions the tool transporter based on operational needs. It moves to the transfer position only when tool exchange is required and returns to its home position or performs other tasks when tool exchange is not needed, optimizing both reliability and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool transporter maintains continuous useful action by either performing tool transport and exchange operations or by performing other productive tasks when not involved in tool changes. This eliminates idle waiting time and ensures that the transporter is continuously contributing to system productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and tool changing system for changing tools on a machine. The tool changing system includes a tool magazine, a tool transporter, and an automatic tool changer (ATC). The ATC includes a tool holder and a tool changer. The tool magazine is configured to store at least one tool received at the tool loading station. The tool transporter is configured to transport a tool from the tool loading station or the tool magazine to a tool transfer position of the ATC, and to hold the tool at the tool transfer position during an automatic tool change process. The tool holder is configured to hold the tool at the tool transfer position during the automatic tool change process when the tool transporter is not positioned at the tool transfer position. The tool changer is configured to provide the tool at the tool transfer position to a tool change position of a machine during the automatic tool change process.