Component Mounting on Supporting Rail via Segmented Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting components on a support rail are complex and inefficient, often requiring sophisticated robots for component placement, which complicates the system and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing two simpler devices, one with a linear movement and the other with linear or perpendicular movement, to quickly and efficiently transfer components onto a support rail, allowing for a more compact and cost-effective system design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a 6-axis robot is used to place components on the support rail, then component placement can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate devices: a first device that moves linearly to transfer the support rail, and a second device that moves perpendicular to place components. This segmentation replaces the complex 6-axis robot with two simpler, specialized devices that perform specific functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining component placement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first device serves multiple functions: it transfers the support rail between positions and coordinates with the second device for component placement. The second device is responsible for both retaining the support rail and placing components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized complex equipment like a 6-axis robot.
2Ease of operation
If a 6-axis robot performs all movements for component placement, then mounting can be achieved, but the mounting speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The first device continuously transfers the support rail between first and second mounting positions, while the second device continuously places components at each position. This continuous operation eliminates the need for the robot to perform all movements sequentially, enabling parallel operations that increase mounting speed and productivity.
3Device complexity
If a single device performs all mounting operations, then the system can be simpler, but the system size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The second device moves perpendicular to the support rail (in a different dimension) to place components, while the first device moves linearly along the rail's length. This use of perpendicular dimensions allows compact arrangement of the two devices, reducing the overall system footprint compared to a single large-device approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mounting components, in particular terminal blocks, on a supporting rail, wherein the components are removed from at least one magazine by means of a first device, which comprises a receptacle for the components and moves automatically to and fro between a starting position and an end position, and are plugged onto the supporting rail, which is held in a first mounting position by a second device, includes the second device automatically transferring the supporting rail into a second mounting position after one of the components has been plugged on and a further component, which is arranged next to said component in the longitudinal direction of the supporting rail when the latter is in the fully equipped state, is plugged onto the supporting rail held in the second mounting position, in an analogous manner to the component.