Dual-Face Transfer Machine for Complete Workpiece Machining
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transfer machines are unable to completely machine items as one portion is inserted and held by a clamp, making inaccessible parts impossible to process until repositioning allows access.
Innovation Solution
A transfer machine with an item holder table having two opposing front faces, each equipped with clamping means, allowing parallel machining on both sides during rotations, facilitated by manipulator devices to transfer items between clamps for complete processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If items are held by clamps on a single-face item holder table, then the clamping and machining process is simple, but portions of the item inserted by clamps become inaccessible to machining tools
Solution Approach 1:
The item holder table is designed with two opposing front faces instead of a single face, allowing items to be clamped and machined on one face while another face provides access to previously hidden portions. This dimensional change from single-face to dual-face configuration enables complete machining of all item surfaces without requiring complex repositioning mechanisms.
2Productivity
If items are repositioned by turning over inside clamps to access hidden parts, then complete machining becomes possible, but the process time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Items are pre-positioned on the item holder table with portions that will require machining extending beyond the clamp boundaries. The dual-face configuration is prepared in advance, with the second face positioned to provide immediate access to previously hidden portions, eliminating the need for time-consuming repositioning operations during the machining cycle.
3Productivity
If clamps are assembled on the periphery to receive items in two different positions, then complete machining is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The item holder table is segmented into two distinct front faces, each equipped with its own set of clamps positioned to handle items in different orientations. This segmentation allows independent clamping and machining operations on each face, providing complete machining capability while maintaining relatively simple, modular clamp arrangements on each face rather than complex multi-position peripheral clamps.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention concerns a transfer machine in which the turning item holder table has a first front face (15) and a second front face (15') facing in opposite directions, wherein the first front face of the item holder table holds a first series of clamping means (16) of the items facing towards a first working units to carry out the first machining operations on each item, and wherein the second front face of the item holder table holds a second series of clamping means (16') of the items facing towards the second working units to carry out the second machining operations on each item. In one of work stations with at least one manipulator device is provided for gripping and transfer of each item from a clamping means on the first front face to a clamping means on the second front face of the item holder table.