Bar Mounted Tool Adaptor With Drop-Down Lug Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
In workpiece transfer systems, the limited clearance between the bar and stamping stations poses challenges for tooling changeovers, as rigidly attached tools complicate and prolong the process, especially when multiple workpiece configurations need to be fabricated within the same line, and existing systems lack efficient mechanisms for tooling switching within space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A tool mount assembly with drop-down connections and a fail-safe mounting system, featuring an adaptor with color-coded, length-specific tool mount arms that ensure correct tool placement and prevent incorrect installation, utilizing a lug and lug mount system for easy and quick tool changeovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigidly attached tooling is used on the bar, then tool stability is improved, but tool changeover time increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool mounting system is divided into separate modular components: the adaptor plate remains fixed on the bar, while tool mount arms with tools can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows stable mounting during operation while enabling quick changeover by simply detaching and reattaching tool arms rather than replacing entire rigid tooling assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool mounting system transitions from a static rigid attachment to a dynamic removable connection. The fail-safe mounting mechanism with lugs and slots allows tools to be securely mounted when needed, yet easily removed when tool changes are required, providing both stability during use and flexibility for changeovers.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigidly attached tooling is used on the bar, then tool positioning accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different workpiece configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor plate serves multiple functions: it provides a stable mounting base for various tool mount arms, accommodates different tool configurations through multiple mounting locations, and remains compatible with different workpiece types. The standardized fail-safe mounting interface allows different tool arms to be interchangeably mounted on the same adaptor plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor plate is pre-configured with multiple mounting locations and the fail-safe mounting mechanism is pre-designed with specific lug dimensions and slot positions. This preliminary preparation ensures that when tool changeovers are needed, tools can be quickly and accurately positioned without requiring complex real-time adjustments, maintaining positioning accuracy while enabling adaptability.
3Productivity
If complex mounting mechanisms are used to enable quick tool changeovers, then tool changeover speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complexities of traditional tool changing procedures are extracted and replaced with a simple fail-safe mounting mechanism. Instead of using complex quick-release mechanisms or multiple fasteners, the design extracts the essential function to a simple lug-insert-into-slot arrangement with a single locking feature, achieving quick changeovers with minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fail-safe mounting mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. The lugs on tool mount arms are dimensioned to automatically align with the slots on the adaptor plate during insertion, and the mounting structure itself provides the locking action without requiring additional complex fastening components or adjustment procedures.
4Area of stationary object
If space-restricted mounting is implemented on the bar, then clearance requirements are improved, but tooling flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool mounting system uses a nested structure where tool mount arms are received within the adaptor plate assembly. The lugs on the tool arms fit into slots on the adaptor plate, creating a nested arrangement that minimizes the overall envelope size while maintaining full tool functionality and flexibility for different workpiece configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool mount assembly includes drop down connections to aid in mounting of a tool to a moving base and a fail-safe tool mounting system for preventing installation of a tool in an undesired or incorrect manner. A plurality of tool mount rails are received within mounts and are uniquely tailored to assure proper placement of tools such as grippers or vacuum cups at desired locations specific to the application requirements.