Conveying Device Single Actuator Switching Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying devices face high costs and operational inefficiencies due to the need for multiple actuators to control workpiece pressing members and stoppers, leading to asynchronous operation and difficulty in adjusting force for workpiece conveyance restriction.
Innovation Solution
A conveying device design that uses a single actuator to move a workpiece pressing member along a conveyance path, with a switching member that changes the relation between the pressing member and a stopper to allow or restrict conveyance, eliminating the need for dedicated actuators and enabling synchronous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to control workpiece pressing members and stoppers, then the conveying device can perform multiple functions, but the cost increases and operational synchronicity becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling both the workpiece pressing member and the stopper through a shared driving mechanism. The actuator can switch between restraining the workpiece pressing member and allowing it to press workpieces, while also controlling the stopper position, thereby eliminating the need for multiple dedicated actuators and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The controlling functions of multiple actuators are merged into a single actuator system. The actuator integrates the control of the workpiece pressing member and the stopper into one unified mechanism, ensuring synchronous operation and reducing the total number of actuators required in the conveying device
2Ease of manufacture
If a spring mechanism is used instead of an actuator to switch conveyance restriction, then cost is reduced, but the force adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static spring mechanism to a dynamic actuator-controlled system. The actuator can dynamically adjust the restraining force on the workpiece pressing member and the stopper position based on operational requirements, providing flexible and precise force control that a fixed spring mechanism cannot achieve
3Productivity
If the workpiece pressing member is allowed to rotate freely, then workpiece conveyance is facilitated, but unwanted contact with workpieces occurs during non-conveyance periods
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece pressing member transitions from a freely rotating state to a dynamically controlled state. During non-conveyance periods, the actuator restrains the pressing member to prevent unwanted contact with workpieces. During conveyance operations, the actuator releases the restraint, allowing the pressing member to rotate and press workpieces as needed, thus eliminating harmful contact while maintaining productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying device includes a workpiece pressing member and a switching member. The workpiece pressing member is able to move along a conveyance path when a mobile body moves, and also moves a workpiece downstream of the conveyance path by moving downstream of the conveyance path while pressing the workpiece. The switching member is able to move along the conveyance path as the mobile body moves, and switches between an engaged state and a non-engaged state with the workpiece pressing member depending on whether the movement is in downstream and upstream directions. When the switching member moves downstream, the workpiece pressing member is able to press the workpiece, and, when the switching member moves upstream, the workpiece pressing member is able to avoid coming into contact with the workpiece.