Flap Wheel Changing Equipment for Faster Robotic Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of changing flap wheels in robotic grinding heads is time-consuming and costly, leading to increased processing times and costs in robotized cells for sanding and finishing metal workpieces.

Innovation Solution

A changing equipment for flap wheels that includes gripping means, a screwing unit, and synchronization means to quickly and safely install and remove flap wheels from grinding heads using an articulated robotic arm, facilitated by a self-centering spindle and pneumatic systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual replacement of flap wheels is performed, then the operation is simple and flexible, but the processing time increases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidtime for flap wheel replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic replacement of flap wheels through the robotic arm performing the entire replacement sequence autonomously - gripping the wheel, unscrewing it, removing it, and installing a new wheel without human intervention, thereby reducing replacement time while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system that uses a specialized end effector with gripping means and screwing means to perform the flap wheel replacement, substituting human labor with automated mechanical systems to increase speed and reduce downtime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If automated robotic arm is used for flap wheel replacement, then labor safety is improved and processing time is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidcomplexity of changing equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector is divided into distinct functional modules - gripping means with fingers for securing the flap wheel, screwing means with threaded engagement for removing/instaling the wheel, and actuation mechanisms - allowing each component to be optimized independently and simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm serves multiple functions - it performs both the gripping/removal of flap wheels and the installation of new wheels using the same end effector system, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3999278B1Changing equipment for flap wheels

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SIR SRL

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AI summary

The changing equipment (3) for flap wheels comprises: gripping means (4) for one flap wheel (2) applicable to a grinding head (T), wherein the flap wheel (2) is provided with a threaded element (2a); and one screwing unit (5) operationally connected to the gripping means (4) and adapted to set the gripping means (4) in rotation to screw/unscrew the flap wheel (2) to/from the grinding head (T).