Automated Punching Station With Synchronous Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current production facilities for prosthetic surgery instruments require manual intervention, leading to inconsistent results, safety risks, and decreased productivity due to repetitive and tiring tasks.
Innovation Solution
An automated punching station that includes a transport support, a press device with a fixed punch and mobile counter-punch, and an automated operator controlled by a unit, which synchronously moves with the counter-punch to punch the edges of intermediate components, reducing the need for human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used in punching operations, then the operator can manipulate the component, but the repeatability of working results deteriorates and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated operator picks up intermediate components from the transport support and places them in cooperation with the press device autonomously. The system performs the punching operation without human intervention, with the automated operator synchronously moving with the counter-punch to accompany the intermediate component during punching, thereby ensuring consistent and repeatable results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical manipulation system with an automated mechanical system. The automated operator, controlled by a control unit, substitutes the human operator's hands and movements, enabling precise and repeatable positioning and punching operations while eliminating variability introduced by manual manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used in punching operations, then the operator can perform the task, but productivity decreases due to repetitive and tiring activities
Solution Approach 1:
The automated operator autonomously performs the repetitive punching task by picking up intermediate components from the transport support, placing them in the press device, and synchronously moving with the counter-punch during operation. This eliminates the need for human operators to perform tiring repetitive activities, thereby increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport support is configured to receive and position multiple intermediate components in advance, allowing the automated operator to continuously pick and process components without interruption. This preliminary positioning enables uninterrupted automated operation and maximizes production output.
3Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used in punching operations, then the operator can place components, but safety risks increase as the operator enters the machine's range of action
Solution Approach 1:
The automated operator autonomously performs component placement and punching operations within the press device's range of action. By replacing the human operator with an automated system, the patent eliminates the safety risks associated with operators entering dangerous zones while maintaining precise component handling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated operator acts as an intermediary between the transport support and the press device, performing all operations within the machine's range of action without human exposure. The control unit coordinates the automated operator's movements to safely handle components and synchronously move with the counter-punch, eliminating direct human involvement in hazardous areas.
4Productivity
If automated operator is introduced, then productivity and repeatability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated operator is designed to perform multiple functions: picking up intermediate components from the transport support, placing them in the press device, and synchronously moving with the counter-punch during punching operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high productivity and repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the component handling and punching operations into a single integrated automated system. The automated operator merges the functions of component retrieval, positioning, and punching assistance, while the control unit coordinates these operations with the press device, creating a unified system that improves productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an automated punching station for the production of punched components for prosthetic surgery instruments, in particular for instruments able to mill/cut or otherwise carry out tissue removal processes in preparation for, or in the context of, prosthetic surgery operations. The invention also concerns a method to produce said punched components, and a punched component thus obtained.