Automated Punching Station With Synchronous Workpiece Positioning
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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 with a transport support, press device, and automated operator, controlled by a unit that positions and synchronizes intermediate components for precise punching operations, reducing human intervention and enhancing repeatability and productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual intervention is used in punching operations, then the operator can manipulate the component to place it in cooperation with the punching press, but the repeatability of working results cannot be ensured and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-positioning of the intermediate component through coordinated movement between the automated operator and press device, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and ensuring consistent repeatability of punching operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated operator system that uses mechanical arms or grippers to position and move components, substituting human operators with automated mechanical systems to improve precision and safety
2Productivity
If manual punching operations are performed, then the operator can complete the task, but productivity decreases due to repetitive and tiring tasks requiring pause intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs punching operations autonomously without requiring human operators to perform repetitive manual tasks, eliminating the need for pause intervals and continuously maintaining high productivity levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the repetitive and tiring manual punching tasks from the human operator and transfers them to an automated press device system, allowing continuous operation without human fatigue limitations
3Manufacturing precision
If the automated operator moves synchronously with the counter-punch, then precise positioning is achieved during punching, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor the position and movement of the automated operator relative to the counter-punch, enabling real-time synchronization adjustments that maintain precise positioning during punching operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control where the automated operator's movement is continuously adjusted to match the counter-punch motion in real-time, creating a synchronized dynamic system that adapts to varying punching conditions while maintaining precision
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4b
Figure 5a~5e
AI summary
The invention relates to an automated punching station (10) for the production of punched components (51) 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 (51), and a punched component (51) thus obtained. The intermediate components (51) are moved by an automatic operator (11) to cooperate with a punching press (12) are moved by said automated operator (11) synchronously, and in the same punching direction (P), with respect to counter-punch (15), so as to accompany said intermediate component (50) in said punching direction (P) when said counter-punch (15) engages said intermediate component (50) in the punching operation.