Electric Hose Packet Handling for Precise Vehicle Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pneumatic actuation in hose handling systems for filling vehicles on assembly lines faces challenges such as imprecise positioning, breakaway torque, and the need for a single pressure for multiple hose packages, which are not suitable for the increasingly demanding cycle times in the automotive industry.
Innovation Solution
The system employs electric motor drives for hose packages and a lifting unit with a shelf for the adapter, using specific formulas to dynamically calculate and coordinate the positions and speeds of the adapter and lifting unit axes to ensure precise and efficient movement, avoiding the limitations of pneumatic actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pneumatic actuation is used for hose handling, then the system can operate with simple actuation mechanisms, but positioning precision deteriorates and breakaway torque occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic actuation with electric motor drives (servo motors or stepper motors) for actuating the hose packages. This substitution eliminates the inherent limitations of pneumatic systems (imprecise positioning, breakaway torque) while providing precise control through electronic feedback mechanisms. The electric motors enable accurate positioning of hose packages at multiple stations without the torque fluctuations characteristic of pneumatic actuators.
2Device complexity
If a single pressure is used for actuating different hose packages, then the actuation system is simplified, but adaptability to different hose packages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by equipping each hose package with its own independent electric motor drive. This allows each hose package to be actuated independently with optimized parameters (speed, torque, positioning) tailored to its specific characteristics. The system can adapt to different hose package configurations, lengths, and weights without requiring changes to a central pressure supply, thereby achieving both versatility and controlled complexity.
3Productivity
If filling stations are positioned closely together to reduce cycle time, then productivity is improved, but interference between hose bundles occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hose handling system by providing individual electric motor drives for each hose package. This segmentation allows independent control of each hose bundle's deployment and retraction, enabling precise coordination between multiple filling stations. Even when stations are positioned closely together, each hose package can be independently managed to prevent entanglement or interference, thus maintaining short cycle times without compromising operational reliability.
4Use of energy by moving object
If pneumatic actuation is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but positioning accuracy and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic actuation with electric motor drives that incorporate feedback control mechanisms (encoders, sensors). While electric motors consume more energy than pneumatic systems, the trade-off is justified by the significant improvement in positioning accuracy and control precision. The feedback-controlled electric motors can achieve repeatable positioning within fractions of a millimeter, enabling reliable operation in compact multi-station configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a handling system for a filling system for filling containers and circuits of vehicles with different operating materials on assembly lines of the automobile industry, wherein the filling system comprises as essential structural components a base unit, a controller, a console and an adapter, wherein the adapter is in operative connection with a plurality of hoses for supplying the respective operating materials, which are structurally combined as a hose packet and are displaceably supported on the console. The aim of the invention is to provide a technical solution for handling the hose packets which are operated with a medium other than a pneumatic system. Said aim is achieved in that the drive of the displaceable hose packets (1) and the drive of a lifting unit (3), which is equipped with a tray (2) for the adapter, are designed in each case as an electromotive drive (M1; M2). The invention further relates to modifications in the control behavior of the sequences of movement of adapter and lifting unit.