Dual XY Table Robot With Articulated Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear transport systems are limited to one-dimensional movement, requiring additional axle drives and power supply for multi-dimensional workpiece positioning, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A robot configuration with two XY tables and articulated arm systems on a single carriage guide rail, allowing three-dimensional movement by independent control of four carriages, enabling movements in x, y, and z directions without the need for additional power supply, using a passive, cable-free design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linear transport systems use only single-direction movement along a straight guide rail, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot achieve multi-dimensional workpiece positioning required in production processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second guide rail parallel to the first guide rail, allowing carriages to move not only along the length of the guide rails (x-direction) but also between the two rails (y-direction). This dimensional expansion enables two-dimensional positioning of workpieces without requiring complex multiaxis robots at each processing station, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the carriages multi-functional by enabling them to operate on two parallel guide rails rather than being confined to a single rail. Each carriage can serve multiple processing stations positioned along either rail, increasing the versatility of the transport system while maintaining relatively simple carriage and rail structures, thereby achieving multi-dimensional positioning without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If transport carriages are configured as multiaxis robots with additional axle drives, then multi-dimensional movement capability is achieved, but the carriages require power supply and can no longer be configured passively without cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function from the transport function. The passive carriages handle transport along the guide rails using magnetic field producers on the rails, while the multi-dimensional positioning is achieved through the coordinated movement of multiple independent carriages on two parallel rails rather than through active drives on each carriage. This segmentation allows carriages to remain passive and cable-free while the system as a whole achieves multi-dimensional positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple passive carriages that replicate the same simple structure and passive design. Instead of making each carriage a complex multiaxis robot with its own power supply, the system creates positioning capability through the coordinated movement of several identical or similar passive carriages on two parallel rails, thus achieving multi-dimensional movement without adding power supply complexity to individual carriages
3Adaptability or versatility
If two closed carriage guide rails are provided with two carriage pairs, then three-dimensional movement is enabled, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second guide rail parallel to the first, creating a two-rail system that enables y-direction movement between rails while maintaining simple carriage structures. This dimensional addition achieves enhanced positioning capability without requiring the carriages themselves to become complex multiaxis robots, thus enabling multi-dimensional movement with moderate increase in system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making individual carriages complex multiaxis robots capable of three-dimensional movement, the patent inverts the approach by keeping carriages simple and passive, and achieving multi-dimensional positioning through the coordinated movement of multiple carriages on two parallel rails. The complexity is shifted from the carriages to the system-level coordination, allowing simple components to achieve complex functionality
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
Enables flexible, cost-effective three-dimensional movement of workpieces in a production environment, allowing precise positioning and long-distance transport with a simple, stable, and accurate mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a number of transport carriages can be controlled and moved independently of one another on a movement path... formed from energizable magnetic field producers, on which the transport carriages travel passively without cables
Data Source
AI summary
A robot for a linear transport system includes a carriage guide rail and first and second XY tables, each with first and second carriages arranged to move independently on the carriage guide rail, and first and second linear guides, each having first and second guide elements which can be moved relative to one another and are configured with an angular offset. The first guide elements of the first and second linear guides are connected via a support structure. The second guide elements of the first and second linear guides are connected to the first and second carriages. The robot can include first and second arm systems connected to one another via an articulated system, with an attached work tool. The first and second arm systems can connect to the support structures of the first and second XY tables via corresponding first and second joints.