Carousel Storage Decoupling Workpiece Carriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carousel systems for transporting workpieces in production plants lack effective decoupling of loading and unloading processes, leading to inflexible operation and increased cycle constraints for workers and robots.

Innovation Solution

A carousel design featuring a revolving endless transport system with guide means and workpiece carriers that can be decoupled for storage, along with separate loading and unloading interfaces and receptacles, allowing for flexible operation and buffer capabilities, enabling workers and robots to operate independently of the carousel's cycle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If workpiece carriers are permanently fixed to guide means for continuous loading and unloading, then the loading and unloading processes are tightly coupled to the carousel cycle, but this reduces operational flexibility and increases cycle constraints for workers and robots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading and unloading efficiencyVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the workpiece carrier system into mobile carriers that can be independently coupled and decoupled from guide means. Each workpiece carrier operates as an independent unit that can be transferred to parking positions, allowing the loading and unloading processes to be decoupled from the continuous carousel cycle while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic coupling and decoupling mechanisms that allow workpiece carriers to be selectively connected to or separated from the moving guide means during operation. This dynamic capability enables flexible adjustment of operational modes, allowing workers and robots to operate independently without being constrained by the carousel cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If dedicated space is provided for loading and unhandling operations on the carousel, then loading and unloading can be performed, but this increases the overall space requirement and reduces filling volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading and unloading capabilityVSAvoidfilling volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system relocates loading and unloading operations from the horizontal carousel perimeter to vertical parking positions. By utilizing the vertical dimension and implementing multi-level parking structures, the system provides adequate space for loading and unhandling operations without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby maximizing the filling volume of the carousel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If workpiece carriers require free space for handling during loading and unloading on the circulating rack, then operational safety is maintained, but this reduces the density of workpiece carrier arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidworkpiece carrier density

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the handling space requirement from the circulating rack itself by implementing separate, stationary parking positions for loading and unloading operations. This extraction allows the circulating rack to be densely packed with workpiece carriers while maintaining adequate safety space at the interface locations where carriers are coupled and decoupled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This design enhances flexibility and reduces cycle constraints, allowing workers and robots to work safely and efficiently, with improved handling and storage capabilities, and reduces the need for dedicated space for loading and unloading, optimizing workflow and reducing operational pressures.

Implementation Method 1

a revolving endless transport means, which is formed in particular by two chains or belts, wherein the transport means is guided about at least two axes lying horizontally in space and oriented parallel to one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContinuous rotation:

Implementation Method 2

a multiplicity of guide means connected to the transport means, a multiplicity of workpiece carriers, with one workpiece carrier each is each assigned to a guide means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical guidance:

Data Source

PatentEP3922583A1Circulating shelves and method for operating circulating shelves

Publication Date: 2021.12.15 EBZ SYSTEC GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a carousel storage system (1) for providing workpieces (W1-W4) by loading and unloading them at an automated processing station (101), which includes a continuously circulating transport means (2), wherein the transport means (2) is guided about at least two axes (AX1, AX2) lying horizontally in space and oriented parallel to each other, which comprise a plurality of guide means (3) connected to the transport means (2) and which comprise a plurality of workpiece carriers (4), wherein each workpiece carrier (4) is assigned to and held by a guide means (3). The carousel storage system (1) includes parking positions (P1-P5), and the workpiece carriers (4) are at least partially designed such that the respective workpiece carrier (4) can be detached from the guide means (3) assigned to it for storage in one of the parking positions (P1-P5).