Docking Storage Unit for Automated Machine Loading Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage units for loading and unloading devices are cumbersome and time-consuming due to manual loading, and handling units, especially robots on rails, face difficulties in accessing machines for loading and unloading workpieces and tools efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A storage unit with a docking section for autonomously guided vehicles, allowing for automatic loading and unloading, and a platform with a work surface elevated from the floor to improve accessibility and automation, along with multiple loading sections and a transport means like an elevator or paternoster for efficient transfer of workpieces and tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading is used for storage units, then operational flexibility is maintained, but loading and unloading becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is equipped with an automatic loading and unloading device that operates autonomously to transfer workpieces between the storage unit and the machine, eliminating the need for manual loading operations and significantly improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
An automatic loading and unloading device acts as an intermediary between the storage unit and the machine, facilitating automated workpiece transfer and eliminating direct manual intervention in the loading process
2Productivity
If handling units are moved on rails to access machines, then workpiece transfer is enabled, but accessibility to the machine is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit with automatic loading device serves as an intermediary system that handles workpiece transfer automatically, eliminating the need for mobile handling units on rails and preserving full machine accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece transfer function is extracted from mobile handling units and integrated into the storage unit itself through the automatic loading device, eliminating the need for separate mobile handling equipment
3Ease of operation
If handling units are stationary near the machine, then accessibility is improved, but the ability to access new workpieces from a magazine is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit with automatic loading device autonomously supplies workpieces to the machine without requiring mobile handling units to move between storage and machine locations, maintaining both accessibility and continuous workpiece supply
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into a storage unit with automatic loading capability and a stationary handling unit, allowing the storage unit to handle workpiece supply while the handling unit remains stationary for machine accessibility
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage unit (6) for a loading and unloading device (2), comprising at least one first loading section (8) for the manual and/or automatic loading and/or unloading of a workpiece (10) and/or tool, with at least one docking section (26) associated with the at least one first loading section (8) for an autonomously guided vehicle (24), by which the autonomously guided vehicle (24) can be guided into a defined or definable loading and/or unloading position and can be fixed in this position, and with at least one loading and/or unloading means (28) of the storage unit (6) and/or the autonomously guided vehicle (24), by which the at least one workpiece (10) and/or tool can be transferred from the autonomously guided vehicle (24) to the first loading section (8) or vice versa. Furthermore, the invention relates to a loading and unloading device (2) with such a storage unit (6).