Workpiece Carrier Device Stacking Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workpiece carrier devices for stacking components, such as batteries and fuel cells, face challenges in maintaining stacking accuracy due to the need for frequent repositioning of storage locations, which increases the risk of inaccuracies during component placement.

Innovation Solution

A workpiece carrier device with a first fixing unit that allows side plates to be releasably fixed to supporting walls without tools, enabling the support plate to be moved step-by-step to maintain a stationary storage location, combined with guide mandrels and adjustable guide sections to ensure precise alignment and reduce tilting risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the support plate is moved to new storage heights after each component deposition, then components can be stacked in sequence, but stacking accuracy deteriorates due to the multitude of new positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent stacking speedVSAvoidstacking accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate is made movable along the stacking direction through a drive mechanism, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned to create new deposit locations. This enables continuous stacking without manual intervention while maintaining consistent positioning accuracy through controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stacking process is segmented into discrete steps where the support plate moves to predetermined positions between component depositions. Each movement is controlled to reach specific intermediate positions, allowing systematic stacking while maintaining accuracy through position control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If side plates are permanently fixed to support walls, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and ease of removal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of component removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The side plates are designed with movable connections to the support walls through fixing units that allow tool-free attachment and detachment. This creates a dynamically adjustable structure that provides stability during operation but can be easily reconfigured or disassembled when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between side plates and support walls is segmented into modular fixing units that can be independently attached or detached. This allows the structure to be assembled and disassembled in sections without requiring tools, combining stability during use with ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If multiple new storage locations are created for stacked components, then stacking capacity increases, but positioning accuracy worsens due to increased movement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of stacked componentsVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate's controlled movement along the stacking direction enables creation of multiple predetermined deposit locations. Each location is reached through controlled displacement, ensuring consistent positioning accuracy even as the number of stackable components increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each deposit location is essentially a copied version of the starting position, displaced by a controlled amount along the stacking direction. This systematic copying of positions ensures uniformity and precision across multiple storage locations without requiring complex positioning for each new level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4180372B1Workpiece carrier device for arranging and stacking flat components therein along a stacking direction
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 VAF
  • EP4180372B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4180372B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a workpiece carrier device (2) for arranging and stacking planar components along a stacking direction (6), comprising at least one base plate (8), at least two opposing support walls (10) fixed to the base plate (8), at least two side plates (12) fixed to the support walls (10) and abutting the base plate (8), and which, together with the support walls (10) and the base plate (8), enclose a free space (14) accessible at least in the stacking direction (6), and at least one receiving unit (16) comprising a support plate (18) and a drive (20) by which the support plate (18) is moved from a rest position, in which the support plate (18) rests against the base plate (8), to a starting receiving position, in which a component can be arranged directly against the support plate (18) and in which the distance between the support plate (18) and the base plate (8) is maximized.and can be moved step-by-step into a plurality of intermediate holding positions until a final holding position is reached, in which a predefinable number of components are stacked on the support plate (18).