Inclined Tool Holder Storage for Safe Mobile Feeding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assembly systems for handling robots lack efficient and safe storage solutions for tools and tool recordings, particularly in terms of kinematic compatibility and safety during movement, while also requiring easy loading and unloading within limited external dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A mobile assembly device with a storage unit featuring slanted holders and a retention unit that includes stops for secure tool positioning, allowing for safe and efficient storage and retrieval of tools, along with a locking mechanism for safety and easy manual access, and a coupling device for autonomous transport, enabling optimized tool management and handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If tool holders are stored upright in conventional storage units, then storage capacity is reduced, but manual loading and unloading becomes easier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidmanual loading and unloading
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage unit tilts the holding devices and tool holders by 15 degrees relative to the vertical axis, changing the storage dimension from purely vertical to an inclined configuration. This dimensional change allows the tool holders to be stored at an angle that optimizes both space utilization and accessibility, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If storage unit external dimensions are increased to maximize capacity, then more tool holders can be stored, but the unit exceeds standard predetermined dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidexternal dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By tilting the holding devices and tool holders at 15 degrees rather than storing them vertically, the storage unit achieves greater effective storage capacity within the same external footprint. This angular reconfiguration optimizes space utilization in the vertical dimension while maintaining compliance with standard predetermined external dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage unit changes the orientation parameter of tool holder storage from vertical (0 degrees) to inclined (15 degrees). This parameter change allows the same physical space to accommodate more tool holders by optimizing the spatial arrangement, thereby increasing storage capacity without increasing external dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If tool holders are stored at an angle in the storage unit, then storage capacity and robot kinematics are optimized, but secure positioning during movement becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidpositionally stable storage during movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention unit combines multiple retention elements (stops) that work together to secure tool holders at the inclined position. The first and second retention elements are positioned at different locations to provide complementary support, merging their functions to achieve stable positioning of angled tool holders during mobile base unit movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4000813B1Feeding device, feeding system, transport system and method for feeding an installation
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 E ZOLLER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4000813B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4000813B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4000813B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a loading device (46) for loading a system (12), in particular a multi-clamping and measuring and/or setting station (102) for tools (34) and/or tool holders (14) and/or a machine tool, at least with tool holders (14) and/or complete tools, with a mobile base unit (16) and with a storage unit (18) arranged on the mobile base unit (16) for storing the tool holders (14) and/or the complete tools. It is proposed that the storage unit (18) comprises at least one holding device (20) for at least one inclined mounting of the tool holders (14) and/or the complete tools relative to a mounting direction (22) of the storage unit (18).