Autonomous Tool Handover for Precise Machine Tool Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current machine tool loading and unloading processes are inefficient and lack automation, requiring manual intervention and resulting in reduced precision and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A driverless transport vehicle equipped with a handover unit and docking sections, allowing for fully automated loading and unloading of tools and workpieces between machine tools and supply units, utilizing a rotating and linearly movable receiving section for precise alignment and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading is used for tool or workpiece magazine, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is decreased and manufacturing precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transport vehicle is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including sensors (laser scanners, cameras, RFID readers) and control systems that enable it to autonomously navigate the factory floor, locate machine tools, dock with supply units, and perform tool/workpiece exchange operations without human intervention, thereby achieving self-service automated loading
Solution Approach 2:
The transport vehicle acts as an intermediary between supply units (tool magazines or workpiece storage) and machine tools, physically transporting tools or workpieces and facilitating automated exchange through handover units with docking sections that interface with both the supply unit and the machine tool's tool magazine or workpiece holder
2Manufacturing precision
If manual loading is used for tool or workpiece magazine, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical loading operations are replaced by an automated system combining the autonomous transport vehicle with robotic handover units that use sensors, actuators, and control systems to precisely position and transfer tools or workpieces between the transport vehicle and the machine tool's magazine, eliminating human error and improving loading precision
Solution Approach 2:
The transport vehicle and handover unit are equipped with sensors (position sensors, vision systems, force sensors) that provide real-time feedback to the control system, enabling closed-loop control during navigation, docking, and tool/workpiece exchange operations to ensure precise and accurate loading
3Productivity
If manual loading is used for tool or workpiece magazine, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs loading operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention, with the transport vehicle self-navigating to machine tools and the handover unit automatically exchanging tools or workpieces, thereby dramatically improving operational efficiency while the system manages its own operation through autonomous control
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a loading or unloading device (500) for use with a machine tool (100), comprising: a transport vehicle (510) that can move freely in an area; a handover unit (540) arranged on the transport vehicle (510) and having a receiving section (530) which in turn has a plurality of retaining sections arranged in a row for receiving tools (WZ) or tool interfaces (WZS) holding tools and/or workpieces; and one or more docking sections arranged on the transport vehicle (510) for docking and/or workpieces on the machine tool, in particular of a supply unit (400) of a tool and/or workpiece magazine (200) of the machine tool.