Linear Motor Assembly Device for Flexible Robotic Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly devices face challenges in achieving a balance between a small space requirement and effective space utilization, as multi-axis robots with restricted radii of action require multiple installations, leading to increased costs and dirt accumulation when using rotary drive systems, which negatively impact the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
The assembly device employs linear motor-driven multi-axis robots on upper longitudinal beams, eliminating the need for gear components and allowing independent operation of multiple carriages, with additional robots on parallel axis systems to enhance flexibility and reduce space requirements, while using programmable logic controllers to coordinate movements and prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If multiple multi-axis robots are permanently mounted along the upper longitudinal member, then the assembly device can handle longer transport distances, but the radius of action of each robot is restricted and more robots are required, increasing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the multi-axis robot movable along the upper longitudinal member instead of permanently fixed. The robot can dynamically reposition itself to different locations, allowing a single robot to serve multiple work areas. This eliminates the need for multiple permanently mounted robots while maintaining the ability to handle long transport distances, thus reducing device complexity while improving spatial flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If rotary drive systems with gear components are used, then the multi-axis robots can be moved along the upper longitudinal member, but dirt accumulates from gear abrasion and falls onto workpieces, affecting manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the rotary drive system with gear components with a linear drive system. The linear drive moves the robot along the upper longitudinal member without requiring gear mechanisms, thereby eliminating the source of dirt accumulation from gear abrasion. This substitution maintains the robot's mobility while preventing contamination of workpieces, thus preserving manufacturing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the assembly cell's footprint is expanded to accommodate multiple robots, then more robots can be installed, but the space requirement increases, worsening space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single multi-axis robot that can perform multiple functions by moving to different positions along the upper longitudinal member. Instead of requiring multiple permanently mounted robots for different work areas, one versatile robot can service the entire assembly cell by repositioning itself. This reduces the number of robots needed while maintaining adaptability, thereby minimizing the assembly cell's footprint and improving space utilization.
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
This configuration enables cost-effective, space-saving, and flexible assembly operations with increased robot range without expanding the assembly cell's footprint, reducing construction costs and preventing dirt accumulation on workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
at least one drive unit for driving the movement of the first carriage on the first linear axis system, the drive unit being designed as a linear motor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly device for the fully automatic assembly of electromechanical, electromagnetic, and/or electrohydraulic devices, comprising at least one production cell (1), wherein the production cell (1) comprises at least one lower longitudinal support (55) and at least one upper longitudinal support (54), a first linear axis system (2) arranged on the upper longitudinal support (55), at least one first slide (3) movable on the first linear axis system (2), a first multi-axial robot (4) arranged on the first slide (3), and at least one drive unit (6) for driving the motion of the first slide (3) on the first linear axis system (2). An assembly device that enables the economical, space-saving, and flexible assembly of different assemblies is created according to the invention in that the drive unit (6) is designed as a linear motor.