Detachable Robot Coupling for Flexible Additive Manufacturing Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling devices for manufacturing environments, particularly in additive manufacturing, suffer from inefficiencies due to the rigid coupling of transport and robot devices, leading to idle time for the robot device during long manufacturing cycles and limiting the independent use of each device's capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A detachable coupling mechanism between the transport and robot devices allows for independent operation, enabling the transport device to move the robot device between workstations while the robot device performs tasks, and vice versa, enhancing flexibility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the robot device is rigidly connected to the transport device, then the robot device can be transported to different workstations, but the robot device must stand idle during long manufacturing cycles and cannot be used for other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable components: the transport device and the robot device are connected through a detachable coupling mechanism rather than a permanent rigid connection. This allows the robot device to be detached from the transport device after reaching the workstation, enabling both devices to operate independently and simultaneously, thereby eliminating idle time and improving overall productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transport device is integrated into the robot device, then the robot device can be moved between workstations, but the transport device cannot be used for transporting other modules and the energy supply must be shared
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device and robot device are designed as separate functional units that can be coupled together temporarily. The detachable coupling mechanism allows the robot device to be transported to the workstation and then separated, enabling the transport device to immediately undertake further transporting tasks without waiting for the robot device to complete its cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device is designed with universal functionality to transport various modules, containers, and robot devices throughout the manufacturing environment. By using a detachable coupling system, the transport device can serve multiple purposes: transporting robot devices to workstations, moving other manufacturing modules, and maintaining operational independence, thereby maximizing its utilization and versatility.
3Productivity
If the robot device is stationary at a workstation, then it can perform tasks efficiently, but it cannot be relocated to other workstations during long manufacturing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static configuration where the robot device is permanently fixed at a workstation to a dynamic configuration where the robot device can be transported to different workstations as needed. The detachable coupling mechanism enables this dynamic repositioning, allowing the robot device to be moved to different workstations based on production requirements while maintaining efficient task execution at each location.
Data Source
AI summary
A handling device for a manufacturing environment includes a manufacturing apparatus for additive manufacturing of an object, a robot device, a transport device, where the robot device is configured to interact with at least one component of the manufacturing apparatus, and a coupling device which is configured to couple the robot device detachably to the transport device. The transport device is configured to transport the robot device to at least one workstation and to uncouple the robot device from the transport device by the coupling device.