Inline Workpiece Transfer Using Optical Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing inline systems for transferring workpieces between apparatuses require accurate layout and positioning, leading to significant time consumption and cumbersome processes during unloading, loading, and apparatus replacement.
Innovation Solution
An inline system equipped with position detecting means for imaging and detecting the positions of unloading and loading areas, allowing the transfer means to accurately transfer workpieces between apparatuses, even if their layouts are not precise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accurate layout and positioning of apparatuses is required for reliable workpiece transfer, then transfer reliability is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system with an optical detection system. Position detecting means (cameras or sensors) image the unloading area and loading area to detect their positions, eliminating the need for precise mechanical layout. The transfer means then uses these detected positions to calculate transfer parameters and execute the transfer, substituting mechanical precision requirements with optical measurement and computational control.
2Reliability
If accurate layout and positioning of apparatuses is required for reliable workpiece transfer, then transfer reliability is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position detecting means performs automatic self-positioning detection. When apparatuses are replaced or added, the system automatically images the unloading and loading areas to detect their positions without requiring manual positioning or complex alignment procedures. This self-service capability eliminates troublesome manual positioning work while ensuring reliable transfer.
3Measurement precision
If fixed precise layout is required for apparatus arrangement, then transfer accuracy is improved, but system adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-layout approach to a dynamic adaptive positioning system. The position detecting means continuously or on-demand images the unloading and loading areas to detect their actual positions. The transfer means dynamically calculates transfer parameters based on these detected positions, allowing the system to adapt to different apparatus arrangements, replacements, or additions while maintaining transfer accuracy.
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
Enables reliable and efficient transfer of workpieces between apparatuses, reducing time consumption and simplifying the process of apparatus positioning and replacement, even with inaccurate layouts.
Implementation Method 1
position detecting means for imaging the unloading area of the first apparatus to detect the position of the unloading area and also imaging the loading area of the second apparatus to detect the position of the loading area
Data Source
AI summary
An inline system including a first apparatus having a first processing unit for processing a workpiece and an unloading area for unloading the workpiece processed by the first processing unit, a second apparatus having a loading area for loading the workpiece unloaded from the unloading area and a second processing unit for processing the workpiece loaded to the loading area, a transfer unit for transferring the workpiece from the unloading area to the loading area, and a position detecting unit for imaging the unloading area to detect the position of the unloading area and also imaging the loading area to detect the position of the loading area. The transfer unit transfers the workpiece from the unloading area to the loading area according to the position of the unloading area and the position of the loading area detected by the position detecting unit.