Dual Workpiece Path Cell With Movable Vacuum Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing cells face challenges in increasing output rate and expanding processing capabilities to handle a variety of workpieces with different geometric configurations and arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The manufacturing cell is designed with a second workpiece path parallel to the first, featuring a movable vacuum block group with individually movable suction elements and a support beam with a lifting device, allowing workpiece-specific arrangement and preventing damage during machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single workpiece path is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing cell is divided into multiple workpiece paths (first workpiece path and second workpiece path) that operate in parallel. Each path has its own workpiece table and can process workpieces independently, allowing simultaneous preparation and machining operations to increase overall productivity without requiring a complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The machine tool is designed with multi-functionality to handle both workpiece paths and various workpiece types. The system can process different geometric configurations and arrangements on the same machine tool, allowing the first and second workpiece paths to be used for different machining operations or workpiece types, thereby increasing utilization
2Adaptability or versatility
If vacuum blocks are made fixed, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different workpieces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum block groups are designed to be movable along the workpiece table in the longitudinal direction, allowing their positions to be dynamically adjusted according to the specific workpiece geometry and processing requirements. This dynamic positioning capability enables the same vacuum block group to adapt to different workpiece types without requiring multiple fixed vacuum block sets
Solution Approach 2:
A support beam with a lifting device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed machine tool structure and the movable vacuum block groups. The lifting device enables vertical movement of the vacuum block groups, allowing them to be positioned at different heights and locations on the workpiece table, thereby providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If vacuum blocks are positioned for each workpiece type, then the adaptability is high, but the risk of damage during machining increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable vacuum block groups can be dynamically repositioned along the longitudinal direction of the workpiece table based on the specific workpiece geometry. This allows optimization of their positions to avoid areas where machining operations might cause damage, while still maintaining adaptability to different workpiece types through programmable positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The positions of the vacuum block groups are pre-adjusted according to the workpiece program before machining begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that vacuum blocks are placed in optimal locations that prevent damage during the upcoming machining operations, while the ability to reposition them between workpieces maintains adaptability
4Productivity
If workpiece preparation and machining are sequential, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing cell is segmented into separate workpiece paths that can operate independently and simultaneously. The first workpiece path can be used for workpiece preparation while the second workpiece path performs machining operations, or vice versa. This segmentation allows parallel execution of preparation and machining tasks, increasing utilization without requiring complex coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous useful action by allowing workpiece preparation and machining to occur simultaneously on different workpiece paths. While one workpiece is being prepared on the first path, another workpiece can be machined on the second path, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive operation across the manufacturing cell
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enables high utilization of the manufacturing cell, even with a batch size of one, by allowing simultaneous preparation and transport of workpieces, reducing damage to vacuum blocks, and enabling efficient processing of diverse workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
each vacuum block group has at least two suction elements that are individually movable in a vertical direction
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a production cell with at least one workpiece path having at least one workpiece provision area of a workpiece provisioning system and a workpiece table of a machine tool, the machine tool having at least two machining robots and the workpiece table comprising at least one suction cup group. The production cell has a second workpiece path extending in a longitudinal direction of the production cell and parallel to the first workpiece path and having a second workpiece table comprising at least one suction cup group. In addition, each suction cup group can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the production cell. The present invention increases the output rate of a production cell and extends the machining possibilities of same.