Grinding Wheel Change Structure With Compact Automatic Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic grinding wheel-changing devices for grinding machines are costly due to the requirement of a four-axis robotic arm and machine vision positioning software, and the grinding wheel storage is often far from the grinding device, leading to longer replacement times.
Innovation Solution
A grinding wheel changing structure that includes a base with a clamping device, a grinding device, a storage device, and a gripping device, where the gripping device is actuated by a controller to automatically load and unload grinding wheels between the storage device and the grinding device, eliminating the need for expensive robotic arms and machine vision software, and positioning the storage device closer to the grinding device for faster wheel replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a four-axis robotic arm and machine vision positioning software are used for automatic grinding wheel changing, then automation is improved, but equipment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive robotic arms with a simple gripping device that uses basic mechanical components (cylinders, linkages) to perform the grinding wheel changing function. The system uses affordable positioning mechanisms rather than costly machine vision software, achieving automation through mechanical means that are significantly less expensive while maintaining the automatic changing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical systems (robotic arms with multiple axes and machine vision) with a simplified mechanical gripping device that uses cylindrical actuators and linkages. This replacement maintains the automatic function while reducing equipment cost and complexity by eliminating the need for expensive robotic components and software
2Quantity of substance
If grinding wheel storage is located far from the grinding device, then storage capacity is improved, but replacement time increases due to longer travel paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the storage device in the vertical dimension (above the grinding device) rather than horizontally distant from it. The gripping device travels vertically to access stored grinding wheels and then horizontally to the grinding device, creating a compact three-dimensional arrangement that reduces overall travel path length while maintaining adequate storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is positioned to overlap vertically with the grinding device's working area, creating a nested spatial arrangement. The gripping device efficiently transitions between vertical storage positions and horizontal grinding positions, minimizing travel distance through optimized vertical-horizantal movement paths that reduce replacement time
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 solution reduces the overall equipment cost, shortens the travel paths for the gripping device, and allows for faster grinding wheel replacement, enhancing the efficiency of grinding operations while accommodating a variety of grinding wheels for complex-shaped workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
A lid is pivotably connected to the guard and actuated by a first cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The gripping device is linearly movable along the x-axis relative to the base
Implementation Method 3
The gripping device includes a gripping unit which is rotatable in the z-axis
Implementation Method 4
The controller includes an automatic unloading program and an automatic loading program stored therein
Data Source
AI summary
A grinding wheel changing structure of grinding machines includes a base to which a clamping device, a grinding device, a storage device, a gripping device are mounted thereon. The clamping device clamps workpieces. The grinding device is movable along two axes and includes a grinding wheel and a guard. The grinding wheel is located inside the guard. A lid is pivotably connected to the guard. The storage device has multiple grinding wheels detachably stored therein. The gripping device is located between the grinding device and the storage device. The gripping device is linearly movable and includes a gripping unit which is rotatable. By using the gripping device with its gripping unit to grasp the grinding wheel and shuttle back and forth, rotate between the grinding device and the storage device, to load and unload the grinding wheel.