Linked-Arm Transfer Mechanism for Low-Power Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer devices for pressing machines require high-output motors due to large inertia and complex motion requirements, leading to inefficiencies and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A transfer mechanism with a rail system and pivotable arms, where tables with inclined guides are moved by low-output motors to perform clamp/unclamp and advance/return operations, reducing the need for multiple motors and enabling efficient workpiece transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional 3D transfer devices with feed bars are used to transfer workpieces through clamping, lifting, advancing, and returning operations, then the transfer function is achieved, but high-output servo motors are required due to large inertia and high-speed acceleration/deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device is divided into multiple independent transfer mechanisms, each handling a specific transfer operation. Each mechanism has its own drive source, allowing independent control and optimization of each segment's motion characteristics, reducing the power requirement of individual motors while maintaining overall transfer productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer mechanism uses a movable table that can dynamically adjust its position along the rail, replacing the conventional fixed feed bar system. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to achieve high-speed transfer without requiring high-output motors to accelerate and decelerate large inertia feed bars
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple linear motors are provided to drive clamping, unclamping, lifting, and lowering operations in conventional transfer devices, then the transfer functions are achieved, but the motor output must be considerably large due to driving large inertia loads
Solution Approach 1:
The movable table is designed to perform multiple functions including clamping, unclamping, lifting, and lowering operations through coordinated movement along the rail and vertical displacement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate motors for each operation, reducing the total power requirement while maintaining full transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple transfer operations (clamping, lifting, advancing, returning) are merged into a single integrated transfer mechanism with one drive source. The coordinated control of the movable table achieves all these functions simultaneously or sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple independent motors and reducing overall power consumption
3Ease of manufacture
If spring or air drive is used for gripping operations in single-bar type transfer devices, then no motor is required for gripping, but the entire feed bars must be advanced and returned requiring high-power motors
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer system is segmented into a movable table unit that handles both gripping and transfer operations. The gripping mechanism is integrated into the movable table, which is independently driven, separating the gripping function from the feed bar advancement function. This allows the use of simple spring or air-driven gripping mechanisms without requiring high-power motors for the entire transfer system
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer mechanism includes a rail, first and second tables on the rail, first and second arms each having a base pivotably supported by the first and second tables, respectively, and first and second drive mechanisms that move the first and second tables along the rail, respectively. The first and second arms are pivotaly connected to each other at a position between a tip side and a base side. Tip side portions of the first and second arms than a connected portion of the first and second arms serve as fingers for holding a workpiece. The first and second drive mechanisms independently move the first and second tables, respectively. A relative movement of the first and second tables causes the first and second arms to operate a clamp/unclamp operation. A coordinated movement of the first and second tables causes the first and second arms to perform an advance/return operation.