Gear-Cutting Workpiece Transfer with Decoupled Two-Path Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movement systems for gear machining require longer non-productive times due to the need for additional stations and complex mechanisms, especially when handling multiple workpieces and compensating for differences in level, which increases the inertia and complexity of the system.
Innovation Solution
A movement system with a simplified structure that integrates first and second path movements via a holding unit, using a decoupled motion unit with only one degree of freedom, and incorporating a rotary movement unit for efficient workpiece transfer, eliminating the need for additional lifting stations and reducing inertia by using a guide arrangement and a running rail that adheres to space constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional lifting stations and complex mechanisms are used to handle multiple workpieces and compensate for level differences, then the workpiece handling capability is improved, but the system inertia and complexity increase, leading to longer movement times
Solution Approach 1:
The movement system is divided into two independent movement units: a first movement unit for moving workpieces along a first movement path, and a second movement unit for moving workpieces along a second movement path. Each movement unit operates independently with its own drive mechanism, allowing simplified control and reduced overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple workpieces simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by having the first movement path extend in a vertical direction while the second movement path operates at a different level. This dimensional separation allows the system to handle level differences between workpiece storage and machining positions without requiring complex lifting stations, as the vertical displacement is achieved through the coordinated operation of the two movement units along their respective paths
2Productivity
If additional stations are added to the movement system to handle level differences and multiple workpieces, then the workpiece transfer capability is improved, but the movement time increases due to higher inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains multiple workpieces in ready positions along the movement paths, with the first movement unit capable of positioning workpieces in advance at the interface with the second movement unit. This preliminary positioning allows the second movement unit to immediately transfer workpieces to the machining position without waiting for previous operations to complete, reducing idle time and increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The two movement units operate continuously and simultaneously, with the first movement unit constantly supplying workpieces along the first path while the second movement unit continuously transfers them along the second path to the machining position. This continuous operation eliminates idle periods and maintains constant productive action, reducing overall movement time while handling multiple workpieces
3Device complexity
If a simplified movement system is used with fewer stations, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to compensate for level differences and handle multiple workpieces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple stations into two integrated movement units that operate along coordinated paths. The first movement unit handles both horizontal and vertical displacement components, while the second movement unit completes the transfer to the machining position. This merging achieves level difference compensation and multi-workpiece handling without requiring separate lifting stations or intermediate positions, maintaining system simplicity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a moving system (100) for transposing workpieces that are provided for gear cutting on a workpiece spindle (200) and have a workpiece axis of rotation, from a first position (A), taken up while they are being fed, into a second position (C) that differs from the first position by at least a smaller distance between the workpiece axis of rotation and the workpiece spindle axis, having a first moving unit (36, 32, 34) which transposes a workpiece from the first position into a third position (B), different from the first and the second position, along a first movement path (AB), and a second moving unit (35) which transposes the workpiece from the third position into the second position along a second movement path (BC), wherein the moving system is also designed to transpose machined workpieces back out of the second position and to hold and move more than one workpiece at the same time, wherein, while it is being moved on the first and on the second movement path, the workpiece is held by one and the same holding unit (10, 10') that directly holds the workpiece, without a movement caused by the second movement unit entailing a movement of the first moving unit.