Manipulator Re-Gripping on Processing Devices for Faster Sheet Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for workpiece and component transport in production plants are limited by high cycle times and low productivity, particularly in sheet metal processing operations, due to inefficient handling and transfer processes between processing stations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a manipulator arrangement with multiple grippers that allows for load-dissipating support of components on processing devices during re-gripping, enabling simultaneous processing cycles and positional changes, thereby reducing cycle times and increasing productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple manipulators are used for component transport and handling, then productivity and throughput can be increased, but cycle times increase due to transfer operations between manipulators
Solution Approach 1:
The component is positioned on the processing device in advance during the first processing cycle, and the second manipulator is prepared in advance to receive the component. The transfer is timed to occur during idle periods between processing cycles, so that the component is ready for immediate processing by the second manipulator without adding to the overall cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous processing by overlapping operations: while the first manipulator is transporting or positioning a component, the second manipulator is already preparing to receive it. The processing device continues its processing cycles uninterrupted, and the transfer operations are scheduled during non-critical periods, ensuring that productive action is always occurring without idle wait time.
2Ease of operation
If component transfer between manipulators occurs at processing stations, then handling efficiency improves, but additional time is required for re-gripping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The processing device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a processing station and a temporary holding station for component transfer. The processing device's workspace is utilized for the transfer operation, eliminating the need for separate transfer stations and reducing the time required for manipulator coordination and re-gripping.
3Manufacturing precision
If processing cycles are performed sequentially on different manipulators, then component processing can be completed, but parallel processing capabilities are underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
While the first manipulator is completing its processing cycle on a component, the second manipulator is already positioned and prepared to receive the component. The component is pre-positioned on the processing device during the first processing cycle, so that when the first manipulator finishes, the transfer can occur immediately without waiting for the second manipulator to become available.
Data Source
AI summary
A method transports and/or handles components, in particular sheet metal parts, and a production plant includes a manipulator arrangement having a first manipulator arm and at least one second manipulator, wherein the first manipulator and the at least one second manipulator are designed to pick up, transport, hold and/or deposit a component, at least one processing device for carrying out processing steps on the component, wherein the component is transferred from the first manipulator to the at least one second manipulator after a first processing cycle at a predetermined re-gripping time, the re-gripping time being between the first processing cycle and at least one second processing cycle, wherein the component at least in portions rests on the processing device during the re-gripping time and is supported in a load-dissipating manner solely by the processing device.