Dual-Robot Bending Layout for Faster Flexible Workpiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending devices, despite offering high degree of freedom in machining, face limitations in reducing machining time and improving processing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A bending device configuration featuring two parallel track devices with multi-articulated robots and a movable chuck device, allowing simultaneous operation and flexible positioning of bending mechanisms to optimize workpiece placement and reduce interference, thereby enhancing machining speed and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single multi-articulated robot is used for bending operations, then the degree of freedom of machining is improved, but the machining time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The bending device is segmented into two independent multi-articulated robots (first and second robots), each capable of performing bending operations. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different workpieces or different bending operations, thereby reducing total machining time while maintaining the adaptability of individual robots
Solution Approach 2:
Two multi-articulated robots are merged into a single bending device system, working in coordination under unified control. This combination enables simultaneous execution of multiple bending operations, effectively halving the machining time compared to a single robot while preserving the high degree of freedom through coordinated motion control
2Productivity
If multiple robots are introduced to reduce machining time, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first and second robots are configured as multi-articulated robots with identical or similar capabilities, making them universal and interchangeable for various bending operations. This universality simplifies the control system and operational procedures compared to using specialized robots, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The positions of the first and second bases are made movable along the track devices, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the robot positions and orientations. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to handle diverse bending scenarios efficiently, improving productivity while the modular base design keeps the overall complexity manageable
3Adaptability or versatility
If bases are made movable on track devices, then the adaptability of workpiece positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bases are enabled to move along the track devices in the longitudinal direction, adding a translational degree of freedom to the robot positioning capability. This dimensional enhancement allows flexible positioning of workpieces at different locations without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire system, improving adaptability while keeping the track-based mechanism relatively simple
Data Source
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AI summary
A bending device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a track device which linearly extends in a predetermined direction, first and second bases placed on the track device and movable on the track device, a first robot mounted on the first base, a second robot mounted on the second base, and a bending mechanism which is disposed at each end of the first and second robots and grips and bends the workpiece. The first robot is a multi-articulated robot including a joint rotatable around an axis vertical to the first base and a joint rotatable around an axis parallel to the axial direction of the workpiece. The second robot is a multi-articulated robot including a joint rotatable around an axis vertical to the second base and a joint rotatable around an axis parallel to the axial direction of the workpiece.