Centralized Switching Unit for Rotating Carousel Carriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing devices with carousel carriers face limitations in performance due to decentralized power supply and complex cable routing, leading to low efficiency and increased downtimes.

Innovation Solution

A processing device with at least two carousel carriers that can be rotated around a central axis of rotation, featuring a central switching unit with motors and servo motors connected via short cable connections, allowing for efficient power distribution and reduced mechanical constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a decentralized power unit with rotary feedthrough is used to supply power to motors on carousel carriers, then power supply is ensured, but the power output is limited to relatively low levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidpower supply system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply function is extracted from the decentralized rotary feedthroughs on each carousel carrier and consolidated into a single centralized switching unit. This switching unit is positioned on the rotary axis and rotates together with the carousel carriers, allowing all power connections to be made at a single stationary point while maintaining high power output capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple decentralized power supply systems (one for each carousel carrier) are merged into a single centralized switching unit. This consolidation allows for higher overall power output while reducing the number of rotary feedthroughs needed, thereby simplifying the overall power supply system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If motors on carousel carriers are controlled via cable from a centrally located power unit, then power supply is centralized, but complex forward and backward rotation is required for proper cable routing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply system complexityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switching unit is made dynamic by positioning it on the rotary axis so that it rotates together with the carousel carriers. This dynamic positioning allows cable connections to remain consistently oriented and accessible, eliminating the need for complex forward and backward rotation operations that would be required in a static centralized power supply system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If carousel carriers rotate about a central axis, then sequential feeding to processing stations is achieved, but cable routing becomes complex with decentralized power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidcable routing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching unit acts as an intermediary between the stationary power source and the rotating carousel carriers. By positioning this switching unit on the rotary axis and rotating with the carriers, it serves as a moving connection point that simplifies cable routing while maintaining the sequential feeding capability of the rotating carousel system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4052609B1Processing device
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 ROTH COMPOSITE MACHINERY GMBH
  • EP4052609B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4052609B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A machining device with at least two carousel carriers rotatable about a pivot axis D, each carousel carrier having at least one receiving device for receiving at least one workpiece. At least one motor for moving the receiving device or the workpiece is arranged on each carousel carrier. A switching unit with power components for the motors is provided, and the switching unit is arranged at least partially or at least partially centrally on the pivot axis D. The switching unit is rotatable about a rotational axis when the carousel carriers are rotated about the pivot axis D.