End Effector Stocker Layout for Space-Saving Machine Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine tools face challenges in space efficiency and operator workability due to the need for end effector storage, either within the machining chamber, which reduces space, or externally, which requires a large safety fence and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool with a stocker for end effectors that can be stored within the casing, featuring a slide mechanism allowing bilateral advancement into the machining chamber and external regions, enabling space savings without compromising operator or robot workability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the stocker is arranged inside the machining chamber, then space utilization is improved, but the available machining space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmachining space

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stocker is designed to be movable between the machining chamber and external region, allowing it to dynamically change position based on operational needs. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the stocker to occupy space inside the machining chamber only when needed, while restoring full machining space when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stocker is configured to move along the width direction of the machine tool, utilizing a dimensional space that does not interfere with the vertical machining operations. This allows coexistence of the stocker and machining operations in different spatial dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the stocker is arranged outside the machine tool, then machining space is preserved, but operator workability is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining spaceVSAvoidoperator workability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stocker can be moved to the external region when not needed inside the machining chamber, preserving full machining space. When end effector replacement is needed, the stocker is positioned within accessible range, maintaining good operator workability without permanently occupying machining space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the robot's movable range is broadened to access distant end effector storage, then end effector accessibility is improved, but safety fence size and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend effector accessibilityVSAvoidsafety fence area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The stocker is extracted from distant external locations and repositioned within or near the machine tool casing, allowing the robot to access end effectors without requiring an expanded movable range. This eliminates the need for larger safety fences while maintaining end effector accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11772216B2Machine tool

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 OKUMA CORP

AI summary

A machine tool equipped with a robot includes a stocker which has one or more effector holder units for holding an end effector to be mounted on the robot, in which the stocker can be stored within a casing of the machine tool. At least a part of the stocker is configured to be bilaterally advanceable into a machining chamber of the machine tool and an external region located outside the machine tool.