Dual Workpiece Conveyance in Machine Tools for Parallel Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece conveyance devices for machine tools can only convey one workpiece at a time, limiting the productivity of machine tools that machine multiple workpieces in parallel.
Innovation Solution
A machining system with two separate workpiece conveyance mechanisms: a first mechanism outside the machining chamber for external conveyance and a second mechanism inside the chamber for internal conveyance, allowing simultaneous loading and unloading of workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single workpiece conveyance mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases because only one workpiece can be conveyed at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece conveyance system is divided into two independent mechanisms: a first workpiece conveyance mechanism for conveying workpieces to the machining chamber, and a second workpiece conveyance mechanism for conveying machined workpieces out of the chamber. This segmentation allows simultaneous loading and unloading operations, doubling the throughput without requiring a completely new system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The two conveyance mechanisms operate in different spatial dimensions and functional zones: the first mechanism operates externally to load workpieces, while the second mechanism operates internally within the machining chamber to unload finished pieces. This dimensional separation enables parallel operations without mechanical interference.
2Productivity
If the machine tool processes multiple workpieces in parallel, then the productivity increases, but the coordination complexity between conveyance and machining increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first workpiece conveyance mechanism delivers workpieces to the machining chamber in advance, preparing them for subsequent parallel machining operations. This preliminary action ensures that workpieces are ready and positioned before machining begins, enabling smooth parallel processing without coordination bottlenecks.
Solution Approach 2:
The machining chamber acts as an intermediary zone between the two conveyance mechanisms. It receives workpieces from the first mechanism and delivers them to the second mechanism after machining, decoupling the coordination requirements of the two conveyance systems and simplifying overall control.
3Reliability
If protective walls are enlarged to cover the conveyance mechanisms, then the safety increases, but the machine tool size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second workpiece conveyance mechanism is extracted and placed inside the machining chamber, where it operates in a naturally protected environment. This eliminates the need for extensive external protective walls, as the chamber structure itself provides safety barriers, thereby reducing the overall machine tool envelope while maintaining operator safety.
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To improve production efficiency in a machine tool that automatically loads and unloads workpieces.[Solution] A machining system includes: a machine tool that includes a machining chamber R for machining a workpiece; a first workpiece conveyance mechanism that conveys a workpiece between the outside of the machine tool and the machining chamber R; and a second workpiece conveyance mechanism that is at least partially provided within the machining chamber R and configured to convey a workpiece horizontally within the machining chamber R.