Marking Machine Cradle for Frustoconical Workpieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for marking or labeling circularly symmetrical workpieces, especially frustoconical ones, face challenges such as mechanical stress, reduced equipment lifetime, and complexity due to the need for precise adjustments and complex manipulator arms, as well as the inaccuracy and high cost of multi-axis robots.

Innovation Solution

A machine with a cradle that can move in translation and rotation, driven by brushless motors, allowing for a flexible path that accommodates frustoconical workpieces while maintaining simplicity and reliability, using a combination of screw-and-nut and belt drive mechanisms to adjust the cradle's position and orientation relative to the carriage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a carriage mounted on a connecting rod hinged about an axis parallel to the direction of relative movement is used to move the cradle, then it is possible to mark frustoconical workpieces, but the mechanical drive devices require accurate adjustment and re-adjustment each time the geometrical shape changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to mark different geometrical shapesVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanical drive devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is designed with a universal manipulator arm that can handle both cylindrical and frustoconical workpieces without requiring re-adjustment of mechanical drive devices. The cradle assembly can be positioned at multiple locations along the manipulator arm's path, allowing the same mechanical structure to accommodate different geometrical shapes through programmable motion control rather than physical re-adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the cradle is installed on a carriage moved in a circularly arcuate path, then frustoconical workpieces can be marked, but the loading and unloading stations must be inclined and the manipulator arm becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking accuracy for frustoconical workpiecesVSAvoidcomplexity of manipulator arm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manipulator arm is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to move the cradle to different locations along its path and adjust the cradle's orientation. This dynamic flexibility enables the system to accommodate both inclined loading/unloading stations for frustoconical workpieces and standard horizontal positions for cylindrical workpieces, reducing the need for dedicated complex mechanisms for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-axis robot is used to move frustoconical workpieces, then flexibility is improved, but path accuracy decreases and workpieces may be deformed under radial load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in handling different workpiece shapesVSAvoidpath accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is segmented into two independent parts: the manipulator arm provides flexibility and adaptability for handling different workpiece shapes and orientations, while the cradle assembly provides precise positioning and stable support for the workpiece during marking. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its strength - the manipulator in adaptability and the cradle in precision - avoiding the deformation issues that would result from using a single multi-axis robot for both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If mechanical drive devices are adjusted accurately for each geometrical shape change, then marking precision is maintained, but equipment lifetime is reduced due to considerable stress from workpiece inertia

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking precisionVSAvoidequipment lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces frequent manual mechanical adjustment with automated programmable control of the manipulator arm and cradle positioning. The precise path control for marking is achieved through software-controlled motion profiles rather than mechanical re-adjustment of drive devices. This substitution eliminates the repeated mechanical stress on adjustment mechanisms while maintaining marking precision through digital control, thereby extending equipment lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8322279B2Marking or labeling machine and method

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A machine for marking or labeling circularly symmetrical work pieces includes a marking or labeling member, elements for moving the member and a workpiece relative to each other in a first direction, and a cradle for holding a workpiece while it is being marked or while a label is being applied to it. The cradle includes components for moving the workpiece in rotation around an axis of revolution thereof. A drive carriage drives the cradle in translation in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. There are components that drive the carriage in translation in a third direction that is perpendicular to the first and second directions. Other components make it possible to drive the cradle relative to the carriage in rotation about a first axis that is parallel to the first direction.