Automatic Leveling Mechanism for Manufacturing Work Machine Base

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for leveling manufacturing work machines rely heavily on worker proficiency and can be time-consuming, as they require manual adjustment of leg sections to achieve accurate inclination, which may not be efficiently performed across different skill levels.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing work machine equipped with an adjustment mechanism that includes an operation device, a moving device, a control device, an inclination checker, and an imaging device, which allows for automatic leveling by calculating adjustment amounts based on imaging data, enabling swift and accurate leveling regardless of worker proficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual adjustment of leg sections is performed by workers, then leveling can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and depends heavily on worker proficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling accuracyVSAvoidleveling time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated system using imaging devices to capture leveling instrument data, computers to calculate adjustment amounts, and automated adjustment mechanisms. This substitution eliminates dependency on worker proficiency and significantly reduces leveling time while maintaining or improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service leveling by using the manufacturing work machine's own imaging devices and control systems to automatically detect inclination, calculate adjustments, and execute leveling operations without requiring external workers. The machine performs its own leveling autonomously based on real-time imaging data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a separate leveling instrument is provided on the base, then leveling can be performed, but the device occupies additional space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling functionVSAvoiddevice space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the leveling instrument with the conveyance device, integrating the previously separate leveling function into an existing component. The leveling instrument is now part of the conveyance device structure, eliminating the need for separate leveling equipment and reducing overall device space while maintaining full leveling functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyance device is given dual functionality by incorporating the leveling instrument. It now serves both as a material handling device and as a leveling measurement device, eliminating the need for dedicated leveling equipment and optimizing space utilization within the manufacturing work machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables automatic and precise leveling of the adjustment target body, reducing the time and skill dependency required for the process, while also allowing for a more compact design by integrating the leveling instrument within the conveyance device.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging device capable of imaging the inclination checker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImaging: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP3046404B1Manufacturing work machine
Publication Date: 2018.01.10 FUJI CORP
  • EP3046404B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3046404B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3046404B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A board working device 10 includes an adjustment mechanism 28 including a plurality of main legs 88 provided on a bottom portion of a base 54 , the main legs 88 being capable of adjusting a position of the base in vertical directions, and bolt heads 104 for operating the main legs, a mounting head 24 which rotates the bolt heads 104 and adjusts the position of the base in the vertical directions, and a moving device which moves a mounting head to an arbitrary position on the base, in which the bolt heads are arranged within a movement range of the mounting head according to the moving device. Accordingly, it is possible to automatically perform leveling of the base using the mounting head, and it is possible to appropriately and swiftly perform the leveling of the base regardless of proficiency of an individual worker.