Cam-Driven Workpiece Aligner for Small-Pitch Multi-Part Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece alignment systems for industrial screen-printing machines face challenges in supporting and aligning small, singulated workpieces efficiently, requiring complex apparatus and significant space, and are limited in alignment pitch, especially when handling multiple workpieces simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece aligner system utilizing rotary actuators with cammed rotors for precise movement and alignment, combined with a modular mounting system for supporting multiple aligners, enabling accurate alignment at a small pitch and reduced technical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individually actuable towers with parallel kinematic actuation systems are used, then alignment accuracy and speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the alignment function into separate modules: a stationary base plate with mounting features and a movable support structure. Each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining alignment precision through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex parallel kinematic actuation systems to achieve precise alignment, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple fixed base and allowing the support to move freely on the base plate. The alignment is achieved through the movement of the support structure itself rather than through complex actuation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a minimum pitch between towers is maintained, then collision risk and hardware space requirements are reduced, but alignment pitch capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional array of towers to a three-dimensional configuration with a base plate and vertically extending support structures. This dimensional change allows the support to move in multiple directions (horizontal translation and vertical movement) rather than being constrained to fixed pitch positions, enabling smaller pitch values while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to be dynamically movable on the base plate rather than fixed in predetermined positions. The support can translate horizontally and vertically according to the workpiece location, eliminating the need for fixed pitch spacing between structures and enabling flexible, precise alignment at smaller pitches.
3Productivity
If multiple workpieces are aligned simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple support structures and workpieces simultaneously. The standardized mounting features and open architecture allow the same base plate to support different configurations of supports for multiple workpieces, enabling high productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the alignment function for multiple workpieces into a single integrated system where multiple supports share a common base plate and coordinate system. This consolidation allows simultaneous alignment of multiple workpieces using a unified structure rather than requiring separate alignment apparatus for each workpiece.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A workpiece aligner (10) comprising: a base (12), an actuation assembly for moving a workpiece support (16), and wherein the actuation assembly comprises first, second and third rotary actuators (18A-18C), each rotary actuator (18A-18C) driving a respective cammed rotor (22A-22C) which, when rotated, causes the support (16) to move relative to the base (12), such that the actuation assembly is selectively operative to move the support (16) to cause a translation of the support (16) parallel to a plane, a rotation of the support (16) about an axis orthogonal to that plane, or a combination of said translation and said rotation.