Automated Fiber Bundle Placement Head With Detachable Guidance Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance of automated fiber bundle placement apparatuses is complicated due to the presence of multiple devices and mechanisms around the conveying mechanisms, making it difficult to access and remove guidance mechanisms for cleaning and maintenance, which requires time and effort from operators.
Innovation Solution
A frame configuration with a main frame part attached to the multi-jointed robot and a detachable sub-frame part for guidance mechanisms, along with a holding mechanism to facilitate easy attachment and detachment of the sub-frame part, allowing for simplified maintenance operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple guidance mechanisms are provided around the conveying mechanisms to guide each fiber bundle, then the fiber bundle placement function is improved, but the maintenance complexity increases and accessibility for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The placing head is divided into a main body and a detachable guidance mechanism module. The guidance mechanisms (including guide rollers and S-shaped guides) are integrated into a separate module that can be detached from the main body, allowing maintenance personnel to access and maintain the conveying mechanisms without disassembling multiple individual guidance components.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance mechanisms are extracted as a separate detachable module from the main placing head body. This module can be removed and set aside during maintenance operations, clearing the path to the conveying mechanisms and enabling easy access for cleaning and maintenance without leaving other mechanisms in the way.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual guidance mechanisms are provided for each fiber bundle path, then the guidance function is improved, but the time and effort required for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance mechanisms are segmented into a unified detachable module rather than remaining as separate individual components. This allows all guidance mechanisms to be removed and set aside as a single unit during maintenance, dramatically reducing the time required compared to handling multiple individual components separately.
3Productivity
If the placing head includes multiple conveying mechanisms and guidance mechanisms for multiple fiber bundles, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases making maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The placing head is segmented into a main body containing conveying mechanisms and a detachable module containing guidance mechanisms. This segmentation maintains the multi-fiber bundle placement capability while simplifying maintenance by allowing the guidance module to be removed as a unit, reducing the complexity of accessing and maintaining individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple guidance mechanisms are merged into a single integrated detachable module. This merging maintains the individual guidance functionality for each fiber bundle path while presenting a unified structure that can be maintained as one component assembly, reducing overall maintenance complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated fiber bundle placement apparatus (1) including a placing head (6) configured to place each of fiber bundles (2) onto a placement die (5) and including a plurality of conveying mechanisms (12a) each configured to convey the fiber bundle (2) toward a pressing part (13a) configured to press the fiber bundles (2) onto the placement die (5), a plurality of guidance mechanisms (22) each including a guide roller (18) for guiding the fiber bundle (2) toward the conveying mechanism (12a), and a frame (30) attached to a multi-jointed robot (7) configured to move the placing head (6) and provided with the conveying mechanisms (12a) and the guidance mechanisms (22). The frame (30) is constituted by a main frame part (31) provided with the conveying mechanisms (12a) and attached to the multi-jointed robot (7) and a sub-frame part (35) provided with the guidance mechanisms (22) and detachably attached to the main frame part (31).