Coupled Stacking Module for Compact Machine Tool Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacking devices for machine tools are not compact in design and require significant installation space, limiting their efficiency and flexibility in automated workpiece handling.
Innovation Solution
A stacking device with a base, vertical guides, and a coupling mechanism between a support segment and a lifting console, driven by a common vertical drive, allowing for compact design and efficient transfer of loading aids between multiple levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing stacking devices are used for automated workpiece handling, then workpiece transfer functionality is provided, but installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support segment and lifting console into a single integrated structure where the support segment forms part of the lifting console assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate support structures and reduces the overall footprint of the stacking device while maintaining both workpiece transfer and stacking functionalities
Solution Approach 2:
The support segment is nested within the lifting console structure, with the support segment being movable along the lifting console's vertical guide. This nested arrangement allows compact packaging of multiple functional components within a reduced spatial envelope, directly addressing the installation space constraint
2Ease of operation
If multiple vertical guides and independent drives are used for support segment and lifting console, then vertical movement control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vertical drive mechanisms by using a single common vertical drive that controls both the support segment and lifting console through their coupled connection. This eliminates the need for separate independent drives while maintaining synchronized vertical movement control through the mechanical coupling of the two segments
Solution Approach 2:
The common vertical drive serves multiple functions by simultaneously controlling the vertical movement of both the support segment and lifting console. This multi-functional drive mechanism reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to control vertical positions of both segments independently through their coupled relationship
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A stacking device for handling loading aids (40, 42, 44, 46) for the automated loading of a machine tool (300), in particular for automated workpiece change, comprises a base (12), a frame (16) which is held by the base (12) and carries at least one vertical guide (58, 60), a first side (30) with a vertically movable support segment (64) for receiving a conveying means (70) which carries two or more loading aids (40, 42, 44, 46) arranged one above the other, and a second side (32) with a vertically movable lifting console (66) for receiving at least one loading aid (40, 42, 44, 46), wherein the lifting console (66) is designed to carry two or more loading aids (40, 42, 44, 46) arranged one above the other. The support segment (64) and the lifting console (66) are coupled together and can be moved vertically in opposite directions via a common vertical drive (74).An automation module comprises a stacking device (10) and a handling unit (210). A manufacturing system comprises a machine tool (300) and an automation module (200). A method for loading a machine tool (300) utilizes such a stacking device (10).