Handling Device Working Range Limitation in Modular Manufacturing Plant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing systems face challenges in allowing simultaneous, unhindered operation of numerous workstations arranged in the transport direction of a transport section, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
The system limits the maximum working range of handling devices to the width of storage frame modules, enabling adjacent devices to operate independently without collision, eliminating the need for software-supported collision protection and allowing for a more compact and cost-effective control system. This design includes a six-axis adjustment system with separate units for linear and rotational movements, optimizing space usage and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If numerous workstations are arranged in the transport direction of a transport section, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for software-supported collision protection
Solution Approach 1:
The transport section is divided into multiple independent transport sections, each with its own handling devices limited to operating within the width of their respective storage frame modules. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of multiple workstations without collision, as each handling device operates independently within its designated zone, eliminating the need for complex software collision protection across the entire system.
2Device complexity
If the maximum working range of handling devices is limited to the width of storage frame modules, then device complexity is reduced by eliminating software collision protection, but the working range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The handling devices are equipped with six-axis adjustment capabilities (three linear axes and three rotational axes), enabling precise positioning and orientation within the limited width of storage frame modules. This multi-dimensional adjustment system compensates for the restricted working range by providing extensive freedom of movement and positioning options within the confined space, maintaining operational effectiveness despite the spatial limitation.
3Ease of operation
If workstations are arranged at larger grid spacing to avoid mutual hindrance, then ease of operation is improved, but the area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the workspace into discrete storage frame module zones, with each module containing workstations that operate independently within their designated width. This segmentation allows workstations to be arranged at smaller grid spacing without mutual hindrance, as each handling device is confined to its module's width, thereby reducing the total area occupied while maintaining ease of operation.
4Productivity
If simultaneous welding at multiple workstations is enabled, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing system is divided into independent transport sections, each capable of simultaneous welding operations. Each transport section has its own handling devices limited to the width of their storage frame modules, allowing parallel operations without interference. This segmentation enables multiple workstations to weld simultaneously while keeping control complexity manageable, as each section operates independently with simplified collision avoidance within its zone.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a manufacturing plant (1) for producing an assembly which consists of a plurality of parts (3), said manufacturing plant comprising a conveying facility (2) with a plurality of workstations (6) that are arranged one after the other at a grid spacing (18) in the direction of conveyance (5). Individual workstations (6) have respective bearing frame modules (13) and handling devices (16) mounted thereon, each handling device (16) having a work unit (19) that can be adjusted relative to the workstation (6) via a linear guide unit (20) and a swivel axis unit (21). Each bearing frame module (13) has a width (31) in the direction of conveyance (5) and is arranged at a grid spacing (18) that substantially corresponds to the width (31). The handling device (16), with the work unit (19), has a maximum working range in the direction of conveyance (5) which range corresponds to the width (31) of the bearing frame module (13).