Turret-Mounted Workpiece Reorientation Tool for CNC Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CNC machine operations require manual or external robotic intervention for workpiece reorientation, which limits efficiency and increases the risk of human error.
Innovation Solution
A handling tool connected to a turret inside the CNC machine, capable of gripping and reorienting workpieces without external intervention, utilizing a gripper assembly and a handling tool drive shaft to rotate and position the workpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual or external robotic intervention is used for workpiece reorientation, then the CNC machine can perform machining operations, but operational efficiency is limited and human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling tool enables the CNC machine to perform workpiece reorientation autonomously without external intervention. The gripper assembly, drive shaft, and follower gears work together as a self-contained system that grasps, rotates, and repositions workpieces automatically, eliminating the need for manual or external robotic assistance and thereby improving both productivity and reliability
2Extent of automation
If a robot is positioned outside the CNC machine, then external workpiece handling is possible, but access to the interior is required which reduces automation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The handling tool merges the workpiece gripping, rotating, and repositioning functions into a single integrated system located inside the CNC machine. The gripper assembly combines with the drive shaft and follower gears to create a unified mechanism that operates entirely within the machine interior, eliminating the need for external robotic systems and maintaining full automation capability
3Productivity
If external robotic intervention is used, then workpiece reorientation can be performed, but the system complexity increases and operational smoothness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling tool serves multiple functions within a single device: the gripper assembly grasps and releases workpieces, the drive shaft provides rotational motion, and the follower gears control the rotation and positioning. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate external robotic systems and auxiliary mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall system while improving operational smoothness and productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A handling tool for reorienting a workpiece in an interior of a CNC machine has a gripper assembly connected to a turret in the interior of the CNC machine. The gripper assembly is movable between closed and open positions to grip and release the workpiece and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis to reorient the workpiece in the interior of the CNC machine.