Component Transfer Apparatus with Suspension and Push Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional component transfer apparatuses face challenges in smoothly and accurately positioning racks with varying dimensions and conformations, leading to potential fetch or retrieval failures, increased complexity, cost, and energy requirements, while degrading workability and visibility during component handling.
Innovation Solution
A component transfer apparatus featuring an upper frame, lower frame, and vertical frames with a carrying hand that can suspend and move racks, utilizing an upper push member to guide and position racks, allowing for flexible handling and simplification of the configuration, reducing energy needs, and enhancing accuracy and productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an adsorption transfer apparatus is used to adsorb the side surface of the magazine, then the magazine can be transferred, but a flat sidewall surface must be provided to the magazine and a region of this sidewall surface has a covered conformation, degrading workability and visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the adsorption function from the side surface contact method and relocates it to the bottom surface of the magazine. The adsorption pad is positioned at the bottom to adsorb the lower frame, eliminating the need for flat sidewall surfaces and exposing all side surfaces for better workability and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from lateral (side surface) adsorption to vertical (bottom surface) adsorption. By moving the adsorption point from the horizontal dimension to the vertical dimension, the side surfaces remain fully accessible while transfer reliability is maintained through bottom surface adsorption.
2Productivity
If the magazine is moved while being dragged along a support surface, then transfer can be achieved, but if there is a step between the magazine supply stage and the elevator, the magazine may be caught on this step or may receive an impact, causing untransferable state or component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical dragging system with a suspension system. Instead of dragging the magazine along the support surface, the adsorption pad suspends the magazine from below, allowing it to be lifted and moved without contact with the support surface, thereby avoiding step obstructions and impact damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorption pad provides beforehand cushioning by suspending the magazine and absorbing shocks before they can reach the components. The pad acts as a cushion between the magazine and any potential impacts from steps or surface irregularities, preventing damage and untransferable states.
3Extent of automation
If two types of energy systems (electric and air) are used for transfer operation, then transfer function is achieved, but double facilities, managements and costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the electric motor system and air energy system into a single integrated drive mechanism. The drive source simultaneously provides both the rotational motion needed for the lead screw and the air pressure needed for the adsorption pad, eliminating the need for separate facilities and reducing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive source is designed with multi-functionality, serving dual purposes: driving the lead screw for mechanical motion and supplying air pressure for adsorption. This universal drive mechanism reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining full automation capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus enables smooth and accurate transfer and positioning of racks, improving operation efficiency and productivity while reducing costs and energy requirements, and preventing component damage during handling.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorption pad to be transferred are provided to an elevator
Data Source
AI summary
A component transfer apparatus and method includes a mounting member on which a lower frame of a rack can be mounted and which is driven to move up and down in order to take out or retrieve components from the rack in which the components can be aligned and accommodated in a vertical direction; an upper push member that is arranged to face the mounting member from above and driven to move up and down in order to push the upper frame of the rack from above; and a carrying hand that can reciprocate between a retracted position where it faces the upper push member from below and a protruding position where it protrudes from the upper push member in a horizontal direction and that is driven to move up and down so as to enter a space below the upper frame to carry and suspend the rack at the protruding position and so as to move down the rack onto the mounting member at the retracted position. As a result, the rack can be smoothly carried in or carried out and the components can be smoothly supplied and retrieved, whereby operation efficiency can be enhanced and productivity can be improved.