Three-Point Gripper Workpiece Turning With Slotted Support Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for turning workpieces around in machine tools are slow, prone to errors, and require additional machinery, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A method using a robot equipped with a three-point gripper and an accessory with a horizontally supported plate featuring slanting edges and a slot, allowing the workpiece to be gripped and turned around without manual intervention or additional machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual turning of workpiece is used, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity is reduced and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A specially designed plate with slot and slanting edges serves as an intermediary device between the robot gripper and the workpiece. The plate enables automatic turning by providing a mechanical interface that allows the robot to release and re-grip the workpiece in a reversed position without manual intervention or additional turning machinery, thus improving productivity while maintaining positioning accuracy through precise slot alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the turning function from complex dedicated turning machines or manual operations and integrates it into a simple plate structure that works with the existing robot gripper system. This extraction allows the robot to perform both gripping and turning functions using the same end effector, eliminating the need for separate turning devices or manual operations
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated turning machine is used, then turning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a support surface for the workpiece, provides a slot for the gripper claw to engage during turning, and creates a mechanical interface that enables the robot to automatically reposition and re-grip the workpiece. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated turning machines, reducing device complexity while maintaining turning accuracy through precise slot alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the turning function with the existing robot gripping system by using a plate that integrates the support surface and the turning mechanism. The slot in the plate is specifically designed to work with the gripper claws, combining what were previously separate functions (gripping and turning) into a unified system that reduces overall apparatus complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If horizontal plate with narrow slot is used, then gripper engagement is simplified, but adaptability to different workpiece diameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plate features slanting edges that create a dynamic positioning mechanism. As the robot positions the workpiece on the plate, the slanting edges guide the workpiece into the correct orientation relative to the slot, accommodating variations in workpiece diameter while maintaining proper engagement. This dynamic adjustment through slanting edges allows the same plate design to work with a range of diameters
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for turning a workpiece (6) around with a three-point gripper (8) with three claws (9) making use of an accessory (1) in the form of a plate (2) with a projecting point (4), whereby the method comprises the following steps: - the workpiece (6) is gripped with the three-point gripper (8) and placed on the point (4) of the accessory (1); - the three-point gripper (8) releases the workpiece (6); - the three-point gripper (8) with open claws (9) is positioned along the underside of the aforementioned plate (2); - the three-point gripper (8) grips the workpiece (6); - the three-point gripper (8) with the workpiece (6) is taken away from the accessory (1).