Automatic Cutting Part Sorting Using CNC-Based Robot Path Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial robots for unloading and sorting cutting parts are inefficient, requiring manual reprogramming for different shapes and parts, leading to prolonged wait times and lack of traceability, which complicates the sorting and subsequent processing of cut parts.
Innovation Solution
An automated system comprising a handling robot connected to a cutting machine, with a processing unit that calculates gripping points and movements based on CNC file data, allowing the robot to adapt to changing part morphologies and dimensions without user intervention, and maintains communication for traceability and production flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robot is used for unloading and sorting cutting parts individually, then sorting capability is improved, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the unloading and sorting process into two parallel operations: a first robot handles unloading while a second robot performs sorting simultaneously. This parallel execution eliminates sequential waiting time, allowing both functions to occur concurrently without compromising either sorting capability or processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The first robot performs preliminary unloading action by removing cut parts from the cutting machine table and placing them in a intermediate position before the second robot sorts them. This preliminary positioning enables the second robot to immediately begin sorting operations without waiting for complete unloading, thus maintaining high productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual reprogramming is required for different part shapes, then robot versatility is reduced, but programming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses CNC file data as a digital copy of the part geometry to automatically determine gripping points and sorting destinations. Instead of manual programming for each part shape, the robot system reads the existing CNC program data and automatically adapts to different part morphologies, eliminating the need for reprogramming while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating gripping points and sorting destinations based on CNC file information without requiring external programming intervention. The system serves itself by adapting to different part shapes through automated data processing rather than manual reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If the exchange table is not quickly freed, then material replenishment is delayed, but unloading time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first robot performs preliminary unloading action by removing cut parts from the exchange table and placing them in an intermediate position. This preliminary action quickly frees the exchange table for material replenishment while the second robot continues sorting in the background, minimizing the time the table is occupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by having the second robot immediately begin sorting operations after the first robot places parts in the intermediate position. This continuous operation ensures that unloading and sorting occur without interruption, preventing production downtime while maintaining quick material replenishment capability.
4Loss of information
If traceability is not maintained, then part tracking is lost, but communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the second robot communicate sorting destinations and part tracking information back to the control system based on CNC file data. This feedback mechanism maintains traceability of cut parts through their sorting process without requiring complex external communication systems, as the information flows within the existing robot-control framework.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for the unloading and automatic sorting of cutted parts, which will be located contiguous to and in juxtaposition with a cutting machine comprising a gripping tool, a processing unit, and means for communication between the processing unit and the cutting machine, where said apparatus achieves automatic unloading of the exchange table, allowing a quick freeing thereof so that it can continue with the production process. Likewise, the apparatus has means for the autonomous calculation of the movements and paths of the gripping tool to enable adapting same the morphology and characteristics of the cutted parts, without having to perform programming between different part references.