Dual-Loader Machine Tool for Workpiece Reversing Without Wait Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In machine tools, the delivery of workpieces between spindle chucks is inefficient due to waiting times when a single loading device reverses the workpiece, leading to delays in supplying the next workpiece to machining sections.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool configuration with two loaders and a workpiece conveyance device equipped with reversing and shift units, allowing for simultaneous operation and quick supply of workpieces to multiple machining sections while maintaining orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single loading device is used to deliver and reverse workpieces between spindle chucks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to waiting times when the workpiece is being reversed
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device is segmented into two independent loaders (first loader and second loader) that can operate simultaneously. The first loader delivers workpieces to the first machining section while the second loader receives reversed workpieces from the workpiece conveyance device and delivers them to the second machining section. This segmentation eliminates the waiting time that occurs when a single loader must reverse a workpiece, as the reversing operation and delivery operation can proceed in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece conveyance device is equipped with reversing units that can reverse the workpiece orientation in advance before delivery to the second loader. By performing the reversing action beforehand, the system ensures that the second loader always receives workpieces in the correct orientation for delivery to the second machining section, eliminating the need for the second loader to perform reversing operations and thus avoiding waiting time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the workpiece is reversed by the workpiece conveyance device during delivery, then the orientation can be changed to suit different machining sections, but the time required for delivery increases due to the reversing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece conveyance device performs the reversing operation in advance while the workpiece is being conveyed from the first loader to the second loader. The reversing units are integrated into the conveyance device, allowing the workpiece to be reversed during the conveyance process rather than after arrival. This preliminary action ensures that the workpiece is oriented correctly before being delivered to the second loader, eliminating any additional time that would be required for orientation adjustment at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The reversing operation is integrated into the continuous conveyance process, allowing the workpiece to be reversed without interrupting the flow of work between loaders. The workpiece conveyance device maintains continuous motion while performing the reversing action, ensuring that the delivery process remains uninterrupted and that no additional waiting time is introduced.
3Productivity
If a single loader delivers workpieces sequentially to multiple machining sections, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity decreases due to the sequential delivery process
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into two independent loaders that operate in parallel. The first loader is dedicated to delivering workpieces to the first machining section, while the second loader is dedicated to delivering workpieces to the second machining section. This segmentation allows both delivery operations to occur simultaneously, effectively doubling the workpiece delivery rate compared to a single sequential loader.
Solution Approach 2:
Each loader is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both delivering workpieces directly to a machining section and receiving reversed workpieces from the workpiece conveyance device. The first loader can deliver to the first machining section and also receive reversed workpieces, while the second loader can deliver to the second machining section and also receive reversed workpieces. This multi-functionality allows the system to flexibly handle different workpiece flow patterns and maximizes the utilization of both loaders.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a first loader configured to convey a workpiece to a first machining section, a second loader configured to convey the workpiece to a second machining section, and a workpiece conveyance device configured to deliver the workpiece between the first loader and the second loader. A first reversing unit, a second reversing unit, and a shift unit are attachable to the workpiece conveyance device. With the first and second reversing units attached, the machine tool reverses the workpiece received from the second loader to the first reversing unit by the first and second reversing units and delivers the workpiece from the second reversing unit to the first loader. With the shift unit attached, the machine tool delivers the workpiece from the shift unit to the first loader while maintaining orientation of the workpiece received from the second loader to the shift unit.