Mobile Pick-Up Unit for Space-Efficient Component Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of stationary robots for processing components is costly and space-intensive, limiting the number of processing units that can be utilized in production facilities due to their complexity and requirement for extensive space, leading to potential production backlogs from occupied robots during processing steps.
Innovation Solution
A processing system featuring a pick-up unit on a vehicle that can move components in at least two directions, allowing for alignment and processing without the need for multiple stationary robots, using a combination of stationary and movable tools within a working area, with the vehicle and pick-up unit capable of remote or manual control for efficient component positioning and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If stationary robots are used for processing components, then processing capability is provided, but space consumption increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces stationary robots with a mobile robot that can move between different processing units. The robot is equipped with a pick-up unit that can grasp and transport components dynamically to different workstations, transforming the system from static to dynamic architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A single mobile robot performs multiple functions by visiting different processing units (cleaning, lubricating, sealing, painting) sequentially. The robot serves as a universal carrier that adapts to various processing tasks through its movement to different stationary tooling stations.
2Productivity
If multiple stationary robots are deployed for different processing steps, then complete processing capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple processing functions that previously required separate robots are merged into a single mobile robot system. The robot consolidates the roles of multiple stationary robots by transporting components between specialized processing stations, reducing the total number of active robotic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system is segmented into separate functional stations (cleaning, lubricating, sealing, painting) that remain stationary, while the mobile robot provides the connecting transport function. This segmentation allows each processing unit to be optimized independently while sharing a common transport resource.
3Productivity
If stationary robots occupy space during processing, then processing is performed, but production backlog occurs due to occupied positioning units
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot enables dynamic component transport between processing units, allowing components to be moved quickly to the next available workstation. This reduces waiting time and prevents production backlogs by flexibly routing components through the processing sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot acts as an intermediary transport mechanism between stationary processing units. It picks up completed components from one station and delivers them to the next processing station, enabling smooth workflow transitions and reducing idle time at each workstation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a machining system (2) for aligning and machining at least one component (10), wherein the machining system (2) comprises at least one machining unit (2) with a working area (4) and at least one tool (12) arranged in the working area (4), and at least one receiving unit (8) arranged on at least one vehicle (6) for receiving the component (10), wherein the at least one component (10) is movable in at least two directions by the receiving unit (8) and/or the at least one vehicle (6). The present invention further relates to a method for machining at least one component.