Mechanical Arm Container for Bent Pipe Collection Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting bent pipes from pipe bending machines face issues such as uncontrolled fall, manual intervention leading to non-automation, and complexity in programming industrial robots due to the need for multiple programming for varying pipe lengths and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical arm with a container at its end, controlled by an electronic device with three degrees of freedom, which can be positioned to collect bent pipes immediately after expulsion, using an inclined polyurethane surface to facilitate smooth loading and minimize volume occupation, eliminating the need for complex robot programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an industrial robot with pincers is used to grip bent pipes, then automation is achieved, but programming complexity increases due to varying pipe lengths and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical arm is designed with a universal container that can accommodate bent pipes of various lengths and shapes through a single programming setup. The container's open-top design and positioning mechanism allow it to universally receive different pipe configurations without requiring multiple specialized grippers or complex programming for each variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex robotic pincer gripping mechanism with a simpler mechanical arm and container system. Instead of using sophisticated mechanical grippers that require precise positioning and force control for each pipe type, the system uses a passive container that receives pipes through gravity and positioning, significantly reducing programming complexity while maintaining automation.
2Device complexity
If bent pipes are collected by uncontrolled fall into a container, then equipment complexity is reduced, but pipe damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical arm positions the container at the optimal location and orientation before the bent pipe is expelled from the bending machine. This preliminary positioning ensures that the pipe falls controllably into the container rather than uncontrolled, preventing damage while keeping the equipment simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The container acts as an intermediary between the pipe bending machine and the collection area. By positioning the container precisely and allowing controlled placement rather than direct uncontrolled fall, the container mediates the transfer process to prevent damage while maintaining equipment simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual collection by operator is used, then pipe damage is minimized, but automation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical arm system performs the collection operation autonomously without human intervention. The container is automatically positioned and the pipes are automatically deposited into it by the mechanical arm, making the system self-sufficient while preventing damage through controlled placement rather than manual handling.
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 mechanical arm effectively prevents pipe damage from uncontrolled falls, automates the collection process, and simplifies programming by allowing a single setup to handle pipes of various shapes and lengths, enhancing production efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
using an inclined polyurethane surface to facilitate smooth loading
Data Source
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AI summary
Equipment for taking a bent pipe provided with a mechanical arm (1) featuring three degrees of freedom, operated by first means (2) controlled by at least one programmable first electronic device (3), and equipped with at least one container (4) located at an end (5) of the arm (1), the container (4) being provided with a second device (6) facilitating the taking of the bent pipe into the container (4), and preferably second means (7) to unload the bent pipe and third means (8) to close the container (4).