Measuring Machine Quill Gripper for Automated Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring machines require a separate, multi-axis handling device for feeding and removing workpieces, which is costly and space-consuming, and necessitates an operator for manual feeding.
Innovation Solution
The measuring machine incorporates a quill with a gripper that can be fixed to it, allowing workpieces to be transferred from a storage location to the clamping device and back, utilizing the machine's existing mechanics without the need for a separate handling device, and includes a magazine for storing workpieces and tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate multi-axis handling device is used to feed and remove workpieces, then workpiece handling capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the workpiece handling function with the existing measuring probe by integrating a gripper onto the measuring carriage. This merging eliminates the need for a separate multi-axis handling device, reducing device complexity while maintaining workpiece handling capability. The gripper is mounted on the measuring carriage and can grasp workpieces to enable automatic loading and unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring carriage is designed to perform multiple functions: it carries both the measuring probe for inspection and the gripper for workpiece handling. This multi-functionality allows the same mechanical structure to serve both measurement and handling purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated handling equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
2Extent of automation
If a separate handling device is implemented, then automated workpiece feeding is achieved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handling function is merged into the existing measuring carriage structure, eliminating the need for separate handling equipment that would occupy additional space. The gripper is integrated onto the carriage, allowing automated workpiece feeding within the existing machine footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring carriage performs dual functions as both a measurement carrier and a workpiece handling mechanism. This multi-functionality enables automated workpiece feeding without requiring dedicated handling equipment, thereby maintaining compact space requirements.
3Device complexity
If manual workpiece feeding is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to operator requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves automatic workpiece handling through the integrated gripper on the measuring carriage, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The gripper can automatically grasp workpieces from the magazine and position them on the measuring table, enabling autonomous operation and improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
4Extent of automation
If a magazine for storing workpieces is added, then automated operation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine pre-stores multiple workpieces in advance, enabling the system to operate autonomously without continuous manual intervention. The gripper can sequentially retrieve workpieces from the magazine, allowing continuous automated measurement operations. This preliminary preparation of workpieces enables autonomous operation while keeping the added complexity minimal.
Data Source
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AI summary
The measuring machine (1) for measuring workpieces (23, 23a) has a machine table (2) and a mechanism consisting of a measuring slide movable in a first linear axis, a cross slide arranged on the measuring slide and movable in a second linear axis, and a quill (7) arranged on the cross slide and movable in a third linear axis. In addition to a sensor (9) for measuring the workpiece, a gripper (11) is also arranged on the quill (7), by means of which a workpiece (23a) can be removed from a magazine (22) and transferred to the clamping device (20), or removed from the clamping device (20) and transferred to the magazine (22). This design allows the existing mechanism of the measuring machine (1) to be used to mechanically transfer a workpiece (23, 23a) to the measuring station and also to remove it again.