Double-Inlet Machine Tool Layout for Parallel Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in efficiently loading and unloading workpieces, particularly when human operators and robotic systems operate in close proximity, posing safety risks and limiting productivity.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design with dual inlets and outlets, combined with movable reference systems and coordinated robotic manipulation, allows simultaneous human and robotic operation without interference, ensuring safe and efficient workpiece handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single inlet and outlet zone is used for loading and unloading workpieces, then the machine tool structure is simpler, but the productivity is reduced due to sequential operations and increased downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool is divided into multiple independent inlet and outlet zones (first inlet/outlet zone and second inlet/outlet zone) that can operate simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel loading and unloading operations, eliminating the sequential bottleneck and increasing overall productivity without fundamentally changing the core machining function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the inlet/outlet operations by enabling simultaneous use of multiple zones. Instead of one inlet/outlet pair handling operations sequentially in time, multiple pairs operate concurrently, effectively adding a parallel processing dimension to the system architecture.
2Ease of operation
If human operators and robotic systems operate in close proximity for loading and unloading, then flexibility is maintained, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The loading and unloading operations are segmented into separate spatial zones with dedicated reference systems. Human operators work with the first inlet/outlet zone while robotic systems operate with the second inlet/outlet zone, creating physical and functional separation that maintains flexibility while eliminating safety risks from close proximity operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Distinct reference systems (first reference system for human operators, second reference system for robotic systems) act as intermediaries that mediate between the operators/robots and the workpieces. These reference systems provide standardized interfaces that enable safe and flexible coordination between human and robotic operations without direct interference.
3Measurement precision
If movable reference systems are implemented for robotic manipulation, then workpiece handling precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable reference systems are designed with multi-functionality to justify their complexity. Each reference system serves multiple purposes: establishing spatial coordinates, guiding workpiece positioning, enabling robotic manipulation, and providing feedback for precision control. This universal functionality maximizes the value-to-complexity ratio by making the reference systems indispensable for accurate workpiece handling.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for using a machine tool (1) for machining workpieces, comprising: an operating unit (2) provided with operating means for executing at least one operation on a workpiece; a second inlet and outlet zone (5) for allowing the inlet of at least one workpiece to be machined into said operating unit (2) and the outlet of at least one machined workpiece from said operating unit (2); a third zone (12) arranged adjacent to said second inlet and outlet zone (5) on the opposite side with respect to said operating unit (2); second movement means (14) for transporting at least one workpiece from said third zone (12) to said second inlet and outlet zone (5) and from said second inlet and outlet zone (5) to said third zone (12); a fourth zone (13) adjacent to said third inlet and outlet zone (12) on the opposite side with respect to said second inlet and outlet zone (5), so that said second inlet and outlet zone (12) is arranged between said third zone (13) and said second inlet and outlet zone (5); third movement means (15) for transporting at least one workpiece from said third zone (12) to said fourth zone (13) and vice versa; a robot (R) or manipulator configured to load at least one workpiece in said third zone (12) and/or in said fourth zone (13) and to unload at least one workpiece from said third zone (12) and/or from said fourth zone (13); wherein said method comprises, in sequence, the steps of: processing a first workpiece by means of said operating unit (2) and simultaneously bringing a second workpiece in the vicinity of said third zone (12) by means of said robot (R) or manipulator; transporting said first workpiece from said operating unit (2) to said fourth zone (13); loading said second workpiece in said third zone (12) by means of said robot (R) or manipulator; and transporting said second workpiece from said third zone (12) to said operating unit (2) and simultaneously unloading said first workpiece from said fourth zone (13) by means of said robot (R) or manipulator.