Dual-Workpiece Robot Assembly for Parallel Machining Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing methods in the furniture industry have low capacity and throughput due to robots being designed to handle workpieces sequentially, leading to idle processing stations and high unit costs.
Innovation Solution
A robot assembly capable of holding and moving two workpieces simultaneously, allowing for increased productivity and reduced downtime by enabling time-parallel processing across multiple stations, with optional additional robots and feed devices for enhanced handling variability and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robot handles workpieces sequentially at processing stations, then the robot structure remains simple, but the productivity and throughput of the system are low
Solution Approach 1:
The robot assembly is segmented into multiple independent robot units (first robot, second robot, etc.), each capable of handling workpieces independently. This allows parallel processing at different processing stations, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining relatively simple individual robot structures
Solution Approach 2:
The robot assembly is designed with multi-functional capability to handle multiple workpieces simultaneously and perform different operations (feeding, removing, transferring) at various processing stations. This universal design enables the system to maintain high productivity without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for each function
2Productivity
If a robot transfers workpieces between processing stations, then space utilization is improved, but processing stations experience idle time reducing overall capacity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple robot units operate simultaneously to ensure continuous workpiece supply to processing stations. While one robot transfers a finished workpiece, another robot simultaneously feeds a new workpiece to the same station, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action
Solution Approach 2:
The robot assembly is configured to pre-position and prepare workpieces for processing in advance. Workpieces are fed to processing stations before the previous workpiece is completely processed, ensuring no idle time occurs at any processing station
3Ease of manufacture
If processing stations are spatially separated, then each station can be optimized independently, but the system requires complex workpiece handling between stations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple robot units and processing stations are merged into an integrated robot assembly system that operates as a coordinated whole. This combination allows independent optimization of each processing station while the unified control system manages workpiece transfer efficiently, reducing the complexity burden of spatial separation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1; 30; 40) for machining a workpiece, having: a first machining station (3) with a machining tool for machining a workpiece, a second machining station (4), spatially separate from the first machining station, with a machining tool for machining a workpiece, and a robot assembly (6) for feeding a workpiece to the first (3) and second (4) machining stations, wherein the robot assembly (6) is configured and preferably set up to hold at least two workpieces (15a, 15b) simultaneously.