Machine Tool Loading Arm Control Without Safety Hatches

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workpiece machining systems face inefficiencies due to time-consuming and maintenance-intensive operations related to the opening and closing of hatches in the loading and unloading process, which compromises safety and increases operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a multi-axis loading and unloading device with a safety monitoring system, including sensors and a control unit, to detect safety-relevant events and automatically adjust the gripping arm's position, eliminating the need for a hatch by ensuring the gripping arm does not enter the loading and unloading opening when operators are present, thereby enhancing safety and reducing maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanically closed hatch is used to prevent operator injury, then safety is improved, but the opening and reclosing becomes time consuming and maintenance intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidtime for opening and reclosing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hatch system with an optical monitoring system. Sensors (first sensor means) detect the presence of operators in the safety area, and the control unit processes this information to control the gripping arm's movements, eliminating the need for mechanical closing components while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the sensor detection system and the gripping arm control system. It receives signals from the first sensor means about operator presence and automatically adjusts the gripping arm's engagement position accordingly, eliminating the need for direct mechanical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a mechanically closed hatch is used to prevent operator injury, then safety is improved, but maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmaintenance intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically responds to sensor signals by adjusting the gripping arm position based on detected operator presence. The system self-regulates safety conditions without requiring manual intervention or maintenance of mechanical closing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the gripping arm can freely enter the loading and unloading opening, then productivity is improved, but operator safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading and unloading speedVSAvoidoperator injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping arm's position is dynamically adjusted based on real-time operator presence detection. The control unit continuously monitors sensor signals and automatically modifies the gripping arm's engagement position, allowing full access when safe and restricted access when operators are present

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The first sensor means provides continuous feedback about operator presence in the safety area to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust the gripping arm position in real-time, balancing productivity and safety based on current conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11103999B2Method for operating a workpiece machining system and workpiece machining system

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 SW AUTOMATION GMBH

AI summary

A workpiece machining system with at least one machine tool, which has at least one loading and unloading opening and at least one safety area, which has at least one loading and unloading device, which has at least one carrier and at least one loading and unloading device which can be moved along the carrier and, in particular, one that is multi-axis, where the loading and unloading device can be arranged in front of at least one of the at least one machine tool in a loading and unloading position and at least one gripping arm of the loading and unloading device can be moved from a displacement position, in which the gripping arm is arranged substantially above the carrier, into an engagement position, and with at least one safety device for monitoring the Security area of the at least one machine tool.