Linear Drive Manufacturing Module Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated production lines for small to medium-sized series manufacturing are often too expensive to purchase or convert, leading to manual assembly steps with inaccuracies and lack of process documentation.

Innovation Solution

A production module with multiple handling devices and parts supply stations per storage frame module, allowing for flexible execution of multiple assembly steps with minimal setup, using linear drive guides and additional movement axes for enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple handling processes are implemented using one storage frame module with multiple parts supply stations, then cost savings and flexibility are achieved, but processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device is designed to perform multiple handling processes by accessing different parts supply stations (first parts supply station and second parts supply station) within its movement range along the linear drive guide. This allows a single storage frame module to execute multiple assembly operations without requiring separate modules for each process, achieving versatility while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If automated production lines are used for small to medium-sized series manufacturing, then manufacturing precision and documentation are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepeat accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The production module is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple parts supply stations and perform various assembly operations with a single integrated handling device. This reduces the need for multiple specialized automated lines, thereby lowering overall system complexity while maintaining high manufacturing precision and documentation capabilities through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into modular components including storage frame modules, linear drive guides, and independently controllable handling devices that can move along the guide to access different parts supply stations. This segmentation allows for flexible configuration and reduces complexity by enabling the system to be adapted to different manufacturing needs without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3344417B1Manufacturing module and method for operating the manufacturing module
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 STICHT TECH
  • EP3344417B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3344417B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3344417B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a manufacturing module (1) and to a method for operating a manufacturing module (1), which comprises a linear drive guide (6) mounted to a machine frame, along the axis of which at least one work station (2) having a linear drive can be moved in an automated manner. The manufacturing module (1) comprises at least two part-preparation stations (3), wherein parts are removed from a work station (2) of at least two part-preparation stations (3).