Mandrel Preparation Device with Optical Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing mandrels on a rod are inefficient due to manual alignment, inaccuracy, and limited flexibility in handling mandrels of different lengths, leading to slow production rates and increased risk of errors.
Innovation Solution
A device with a supply groove and a receiving groove, equipped with abutment members and conveying mechanisms, allows for simultaneous alignment and transfer of mandrels, enabling quick and accurate positioning of mandrels of varying lengths, and automated handling to enhance production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual alignment of mandrels on a preparation table is used, then the operator can position mandrels on the rod, but the operation becomes slow and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an automated optical-mechanical system. A camera captures images of mandrels in the supply groove, image processing software determines their positions, and a positioning device automatically adjusts mandrel locations based on calculated offset values, eliminating manual intervention and improving both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying through camera imaging to capture mandrel positions. The captured images are processed to create a digital representation of mandrel locations, which is then used to calculate and execute precise positioning adjustments, replacing direct manual measurement and alignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If compartmentalized containers with fixed walls are used to store mandrels, then mandrels can be organized by position, but flexibility to accommodate different mandrel lengths is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed compartment walls with movable positioning devices that can be dynamically adjusted. The positioning device includes movable components that can be repositioned along the supply groove to accommodate mandrels of different lengths and positions, transforming a static storage system into a dynamic, adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device serves multiple functions: it defines mandrel positions for different lengths, guides mandrels during transfer, and accommodates various mandrel configurations. This single universal device replaces the need for multiple fixed containers designed for specific mandrel sizes.
3Extent of automation
If a robot is used to manipulate mandrels automatically, then automation is achieved, but the robot can only handle one mandrel at a time and cannot easily adapt to different lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning intelligence from the mechanical manipulation system. Image processing software separately determines mandrel positions and calculates offset values, which are then used by the positioning device. This separation allows the system to handle multiple mandrels simultaneously while maintaining adaptability to different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image capture and position calculation before mandrel transfer. The offset values are pre-calculated based on captured images, allowing the positioning device to rapidly adjust to different mandrel configurations without real-time decision-making delays, thereby increasing processing rate.
4Manufacturing precision
If mandrels are inserted into the preparation table one by one, then each mandrel can be positioned, but the overall preparation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by capturing images of multiple mandrels simultaneously in the supply groove and processing their positions in parallel. The positioning device can then adjust multiple mandrel positions concurrently based on calculated offsets, eliminating the sequential one-by-one insertion process while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for preparing mandrels (1′) to be fitted on a rod (7) and spaced from one another. The device includes two grooves (2, 3) arranged in the vicinity of one another, i.e. a supply groove for receiving the mandrels (1) along the axis of the groove, the groove being combined with elements for juxtaposing the mandrels, and a groove for receiving the mandrels selected from the mandrels of the supply groove, the receiving groove being fitted with abutment members (6) for defining individual housings (18) for the selected mandrels, and an element (5) for transferring the selected mandrels towards the housings. A device for collecting coiled mandrels, and a device and method for handling the mandrels are also described.