Manipulator Handover on Processing Support for Parallel Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current production plants face inefficiencies in workpiece transport and handling, leading to increased cycle times and reduced productivity, as existing methods do not effectively enable parallel processing and efficient transfer of components between manipulators during machining operations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a manipulator arrangement with a first and at least one second manipulator, where components are transferred from the first to the second manipulator during a predetermined changeover time, with the component resting on a processing device for support, allowing for parallel processing and efficient repositioning for subsequent machining cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a component is transferred between manipulators during a processing cycle, then productivity increases through parallel processing, but the complexity of coordinating multiple manipulators and timing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing cycle is segmented into distinct phases: first manipulator performs initial processing, then transfers the component at a predetermined transfer time, while the second manipulator prepares for and executes subsequent processing. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each manipulator's operations, reducing coordination complexity while enabling parallel processing and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The component is transferred between manipulators at a predetermined transfer time before the first processing cycle is complete. The second manipulator is positioned and ready to receive the component in advance, and the processing device is prepared to support the component during transfer. This preliminary preparation enables seamless transitions and parallel operations, increasing productivity without proportionally increasing coordination complexity.
2Loss of time
If the component is supported exclusively by the processing device during transfer time, then the manipulators can operate independently to reduce cycle times, but the processing device must bear additional load-bearing responsibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is dynamically transferred from the manipulators to the processing device during the transfer time window. The processing device transitions from a passive processing role to an active load-bearing role, supporting the component exclusively during the transfer. This dynamic redistribution of functions allows manipulators to operate independently and reduces cycle times, while the processing device's structural design accommodates the temporary additional load-bearing responsibility.
3Productivity
If multiple manipulators are used with mutual adjustment of movement sequences, then throughput increases, but the coordination and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements mutual adjustment of movement sequences between manipulators through coordinated control, where each manipulator's movements are adjusted based on the other's position and status. This feedback mechanism ensures smooth transfers and prevents collisions, enabling increased throughput through parallel operations while maintaining manageable coordination complexity through systematic control adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the transport and/or handling of components (4), in particular sheet metal parts and a production plant (1) comprising a manipulator arrangement (2) having a first manipulator (5) and at least one second manipulator (6), wherein the first manipulator (5) and the at least one second manipulator (6) are designed to pick up, transport, hold and/or deposit a component (4), at least one processing apparatus (3) for carrying out processing steps on the component (4), wherein the component (4) is transferred from the first manipulator (5) to the at least one second manipulator (6) after a first processing cycle at a predetermined transfer time, the transfer time being between the first processing cycle and at least one second processing cycle, wherein the component (4) at least in portions rests on the processing apparatus (3) during the transfer time and is supported in a load-dissipating manner solely by the processing apparatus (3).