Cantilever Workpiece Manipulator Layout for Compact Manufacturing Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible production cells with machining centers require a compact design that ensures collision-free operation and high operational safety, as existing portal-shaped workpiece manipulators occupy large spaces and expose the open work area to potential hazards.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis workpiece manipulator with a cantilever-style support arm attached to the workpiece magazine, featuring a first linear guide and an optional second linear or rotary guide, allows for a compact arrangement and prevents access to the work area, while grippers with a rotatable axis and suction functionality enhance mobility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a portal-shaped workpiece manipulator is used, then collision-free operation is ensured, but the space requirement increases and the work area remains exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece manipulator is divided into separate functional components: a workpiece magazine, a support arm with linear guides, and a workpiece changer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall space requirement while maintaining collision-free operation through the structured movement paths provided by the linear guides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension through the second linear guide that moves the workpiece changer above the machining center. This dimensional change allows workpiece loading/unloading to occur in three-dimensional space rather than requiring a large horizontal portal structure, thereby reducing the footprint while ensuring collision-free operation.
2Ease of operation
If a portal-shaped workpiece manipulator is used, then workpiece handling is achieved, but the work area remains open and exposed to personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is integrated with the machining center structure, and the workpiece changer is positioned to operate within the machining center's envelope. This merging of components allows the work area to be enclosed during operation, protecting personnel while maintaining efficient workpiece handling through the coordinated movement of the linear guides and workpiece changer.
Solution Approach 2:
The second linear guide acts as an intermediary mechanism that positions the workpiece changer above the machining center. This intermediary structure enables workpiece transfer without requiring the work area to be open, as the workpiece can be lowered vertically into the machining center through the linear guide, thereby protecting personnel while maintaining ease of operation.
3Area of stationary object
If the support arm runs freely overhanging in the machining center, then a compact arrangement is achieved, but the construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is equipped with linear guides that provide controlled, dynamic movement rather than static positioning. The first linear guide enables horizontal movement of the workpiece changer, while the second linear guide enables vertical movement. This dynamic system allows the support arm to adapt its position within the machining center, achieving a compact arrangement while managing construction complexity through standardized linear guide components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible manufacturing cell (1) comprising a machining center (2), a workpiece magazine (3), and a workpiece manipulator (4) is shown. To enable a compact design while ensuring collision-free operation, it is proposed that the support arm (14) be attached to the frame (11) of the workpiece magazine (3) and extend freely into the machining center (2).