Contour-Adaptive Component Support for Automated Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component supporting apparatuses require manual placement of components to set a shape-adapted clamping surface, limiting automation and efficiency in manufacturing, transportation, and processing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with movable support elements and a shape-predetermining device that adapts to the component's contour, allowing for automated and rapid adaptation of the supporting device without the need for the component itself, enabling secure and precise positioning for various components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a component is placed on a supporting device to set a shape-adapted clamping surface, then the supporting device can be adapted to the contour of the component, but the process requires manual intervention and cannot be fully automated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-creating a shape-predetermining device that contains the contour information of the component's supporting portion before the actual supporting operation. This allows the support elements to automatically assume their final positions when placed on the shape-predetermining device, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and enabling full automation of the adaptation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape-predetermining device serves as an intermediary between the component and the supporting device. Instead of directly using the component to set the support elements, the patent introduces this intermediate artifact that carries the geometric information, allowing automated systems to transfer the contour data without requiring the actual component or manual intervention.
2Extent of automation
If support elements frequently contact components during automated handling, then automated gripping and depositing are enabled, but wear and deformation risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a damping element that absorbs impact energy during the depositing operation. This cushioning element is positioned to receive impact forces before they reach the support elements and component, thereby protecting against wear and deformation while maintaining automated handling capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the supporting device is converted between different components, then versatility is improved, but the conversion process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the supporting device into modular components: a reusable supporting device with movable support elements and replaceable shape-predetermining devices. Each shape-predetermining device is designed for a specific component type, allowing quick exchange between different component configurations without redesigning the entire supporting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating simplified replicas of component contours in the form of shape-predetermining devices. These copies contain only the essential geometric information needed for positioning support elements, eliminating the complexity of handling actual components during conversion while maintaining full adaptability to different component types.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supporting at least one component includes a supporting device having a first and at least one second support element, which are mounted movably relative to each other, and a shape-defining device with a surface contour which fits, at least in some regions, a contour of a supporting section of the component. The supporting device can be placed against the shape-defining device, and, by contact of the at least two support elements with the surface contour of the shape-defining device, the first support element can be moved into a defined position relative to the at least second support element, in which position the at least two support elements reproduce the contour of the supporting section, at least in some regions.