Clamping Frame Transfer Layout for Fast, Accurate Joining Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body joining systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately positioning clamping frames due to complex constructions, high space requirements, and reduced flexibility, leading to increased production time and mechanical wear.
Innovation Solution
A clamping frame transport unit with a delivery drive and guide devices that allows for easy movement between working and standby positions, using a stationary guide device for precise positioning and minimizing the impact of transport unit tolerances, along with a portal manipulator for flexible clamping frame changes, reducing the need for extensive space and height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping frame is moved between working position and standby position using a portal robot, then flexibility in clamping frame change is improved, but the height of the joining system increases and cycle time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent transport units: a first clamping frame transport unit for moving clamping frames between magazine and standby position, and a second clamping frame transport unit for moving clamping frames between standby position and working position. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of both units, eliminating the need for the portal robot to travel wide paths and reducing cycle time while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The first clamping frame transport unit pre-positions clamping frames at the standby position before they are needed at the working position. This preliminary action ensures that when a clamping frame change is required, the new clamping frame is already in position, eliminating waiting time and reducing cycle time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If guide rails are shifted with the longitudinal carriage for transverse movement, then clamping frame replacement is enabled, but the area required and drive strength increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail system is segmented into a first guide rail for longitudinal movement and a second guide rail for transverse movement. The second guide rail is fixed to the stationary construction and does not move with the longitudinal carriage. This segmentation eliminates the need to shift entire guide rail sections, reducing the area required and drive strength while enabling clamping frame replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse guidance function is extracted from the movable longitudinal carriage and assigned to a separate, fixed second guide rail. This extraction allows the longitudinal carriage to focus solely on longitudinal movement while the fixed second guide rail provides transverse positioning, reducing the complexity and area requirements of the overall system.
3Ease of operation
If the clamping frame transport unit moves with tolerances, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A second guide device with a second guide rail fixed to the stationary construction acts as an intermediary between the movable clamping frame transport unit and the working position. This intermediary provides a stable, tolerance-free reference for positioning, ensuring that even though the transport unit moves with tolerances, the final positioning accuracy at the working position is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses different guidance qualities for different positions: the first guide device provides guidance during movement, while the second guide device provides high-precision guidance at the working position. This local differentiation of guidance quality ensures ease of operation during movement while maintaining manufacturing precision at the critical working position.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
In order to allow for easy manipulation of a clamping frame in the joining station of a joining plant, a feeding drive (8) on the clamping frame conveying unit (6) moves the clamping frame unit (5) between the operating position (A) and the standby position (B).