Manipulation Device V-Shaped Guide Rail Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manipulation devices for assembly machines face high structural complexity and limited working space, particularly in lifting movements, which hinders simplicity and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A manipulation device with parallel guide rails and independently controlled motors, featuring a V-shaped arrangement of secondary guide rails for increased force transmission and compact design, allowing for high dynamics and precision with minimal moving masses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a lifting unit with a lifting mechanism actuated by the second runner is used, then the manipulation device can perform lifting movements, but the design complexity increases and the working space is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical lifting mechanism with an electric field-based actuation system. The electrically actuable fastening element uses electrostatic or electromagnetic forces to achieve lifting movements, eliminating complex mechanical linkages, gears, and linkages while maintaining full lifting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the actuation parameter from mechanical force to electrical field parameters. By controlling voltage, charge, or magnetic field strength, the fastening element can be actuated to perform lifting movements, providing precise control with simpler structure compared to mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If traditional manipulation devices are arranged side-by-side on an assembly machine frame, then multiple devices can be mounted, but the space requirements increase and the frame structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of devicesVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement of manipulation devices to vertical stacking arrangement. By utilizing the vertical dimension, multiple devices can be mounted one above another on the assembly machine frame, dramatically reducing the horizontal footprint while increasing the number of devices that can be installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The compact design of the manipulation device allows smaller components to be nested within or adjacent to larger ones. The electrically actuable fastening element and guide structure are integrated in a space-efficient manner, enabling devices to be stacked closely together like nested dolls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the first and second runners are rigidly connected with a lifting unit, then lifting movement is achieved, but the moving mass increases and dynamics are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting movementVSAvoidmoving mass
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the manipulation device into independent modular components: the first runner for horizontal movement, the second runner for vertical movement, and the electrically actuable fastening element for lifting. This segmentation allows each component to move independently with minimal mass, improving dynamics while maintaining full lifting capability through electrical actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If motors are mounted on moving carriages, then precise positioning is achieved, but the moving mass increases and dynamics are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmoving mass
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mounting motors on moving carriages, the patent inverts the arrangement by mounting motors on the stationary base and using belt-driven systems to move the carriages. This keeps the heavy motor components stationary, minimizing moving mass and maximizing dynamics while maintaining precise positioning through controlled belt movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The solution enables a simple, compact, and dynamically efficient manipulation device with high accuracy, allowing for multiple devices to be arranged closely and reducing the risk of injury through precise force transmission and minimal mass movement.

Implementation Method 1

a linear motor, in which each carriage forms a rotor of the motor and the guide rail forms the stator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3305476B1Manipulation device
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 PFUDERER MARKUS
  • EP3305476B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3305476B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3305476B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a manipulation device for handling and/or processing workpieces, in particular for an assembly machine, comprising a base body (22), a first guide (23) which has two guide rails (24) provided on the base body (22) which are aligned parallel to each other and along which a first and second slide (26, 31) can be moved, a first motor (41) which drives the first slide (26) and a second motor (44) which drives the second slide (31), wherein the first and second motors (41, 44) can each be controlled separately, and a third slide (36) which is guided by a second guide (37) on the first and second slides (26, 31), wherein the second guide (37) has two guide rails (47) which each have at least one guide element (40) on the first and second slides (26, 31).31) are held and the two guide rails (47) of the second guide (37) are aligned in a V-shape to each other, wherein the first guide (23) is vertically aligned in a service position of the manipulation device and the second guide (37) is movable in a vertical plane of the first guide (23).