Electromagnetic Transport Units for In-Line Calibration and Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for work processes lack the ability to efficiently integrate secondary processes, such as calibration and testing, which are essential for ensuring the quality of work processes, as they are not adequately supported by transport units designed to handle these additional tasks.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates independently movable transport units driven by electromagnetic drives, which not only transport workpieces but also carry devices for secondary processes like calibration and testing, allowing these processes to be performed in parallel or at different times, using standardized interfaces and provision zones to ensure secure and flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transport units are used exclusively for feeding workpieces to process stations, then the work process efficiency is improved, but the ability to perform secondary processes like calibration and testing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transport units are designed with universal functionality to perform both primary work (transporting workpieces) and secondary processes (calibration, testing). The same transport unit can be configured with different devices depending on the task required, making the system versatile without sacrificing efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If secondary processes are integrated into the same transport units, then the versatility is improved, but the transport unit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport unit is segmented into modular components: a base transport mechanism and interchangeable process devices. This segmentation allows the core transport function to remain simple while adding complexity only when specific secondary processes are attached, reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If calibration and testing devices are transported to process stations, then the quality assurance is improved, but the transport path interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic path planning where transport units can adapt their movement paths in real-time. When calibration or testing devices need to reach process stations, the system dynamically coordinates transport paths to avoid interference with workpiece feeding, ensuring both quality assurance and smooth operations
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
This approach enables effective integration of secondary processes, ensuring the quality of work processes by allowing for timely and flexible execution of calibration and testing without disrupting main processes, and allows for conversion of transport units to adapt to different needs, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
first transport units which are movable independently of one another by electromagnetic drives
Implementation Method 2
at least one second, electromagnetically movable transport unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system for carrying out work processes on workpieces or the like. The system includes a work surface on which are arranged first transport units which are movable independently of one another by electromagnetic drives and are designed to remove the workpieces or the like from a first conveying device, subsequently to feed them to process stations for carrying out the work processes on the workpieces or the like, and finally to transfer the workpieces or the like to a second conveying device.