Conveying Path Storage Carrier for Flexible Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic production systems face inefficiencies in integrating multiple production facilities and handling diverse workpieces and tools, leading to complexities in conveyor logistics and process flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing facility with a continuous conveying path that integrates workpieces and tools using exchangeable load handling devices and a storage carrier, allowing for flexible positioning and processing of workpieces, and enabling connection of multiple production facilities through a networked conveyor line system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple production facilities are integrated with a continuous conveying path, then productivity and output increase, but device complexity and conveyor logistics become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The production system is divided into multiple independent production facilities (18-22) that can be individually configured and operated. Each facility has its own work station and processing capabilities, allowing modular expansion without requiring complete system redesign. The conveying path serves as a common infrastructure that connects these segmented units.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying means (5) are designed as multi-functional units that can transport different types of workpieces (2, 2', 2'') and tools (8) across various production facilities. The load handling devices (6) can be exchanged to adapt to different workpiece types, making the conveying system universally applicable throughout the entire production line.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exchangeable load handling devices are used for diverse workpieces, then adaptability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load handling devices (6) are designed as exchangeable modules that can be quickly swapped to match different workpiece types (2, 2', 2''). Each handling device is standardized to work with the conveying means (5), providing universal compatibility across all production facilities while maintaining adaptability to specific workpiece requirements through simple device exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration by exchanging load handling devices (6) on the conveying means (5) based on production requirements. This enables the system to adapt to different workpieces and processes without permanent modifications, providing flexibility through movable and replaceable components rather than fixed configurations.
3Quantity of substance
If workpieces are stored on a storage carrier above the conveying path, then intermediate storage capacity increases, but the conveying path space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage carrier (62) utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning storage space above the conveying path (7) rather than occupying horizontal conveying path space. This three-dimensional arrangement allows intermediate storage of workpieces without blocking the two-dimensional conveying path, effectively separating storage and transport functions in different spatial dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage carrier (62) acts as an intermediary element between the conveying path and the work station (26). It temporarily holds workpieces that need to be processed, allowing the conveying system to maintain continuous flow while providing buffering capacity. The carrier mediates between transport and processing requirements without disrupting the conveying path.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile storage support is used at the work site, then production flexibility increases, but passage opening for conveying means is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage support (59) is designed as a mobile unit that can dynamically change its position and height at the work station (26). It can be moved out of the way to allow conveying means (5) to pass through with sufficient clearance, then positioned to provide storage support when needed. This dynamic behavior resolves the conflict between providing flexible production support and maintaining passage clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage support (59) is positioned and configured in advance based on the type of workpiece and process requirements before the conveying means arrives. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the conveying means needs to pass, the support is in a non-obstructive position, while when workpieces need storage, the support is already in place and ready.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic manufacturing device (18-22) and to a manufacturing method for workpieces (2, 2', 2''), in particular for bodywork components, which has at least one program-controlled manufacturing means (28, 29) and a working point (26). Arranged in the manufacturing device (18-22) is a conveying path (7) for a conveying means (5) having a load-receiving means (6) for a workpiece (2, 2', 2'') and/or for a tool (8), which path extends through the manufacturing device (18-22) and through the working point (26), wherein, at the working point (26), a storage carrier (62) for a workpiece (2, 2', 2'') is arranged at a vertical distance from the conveying path (7).