Modular Base Rail Segmentation for Flexible Machine Line Layouts

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing processing machine lines require frequent layout changes due to variations in processing work, leading to increased costs and storage needs for multiple rail members of different lengths, making it cumbersome to adjust the traveling rail length and complicating the connection process.

Innovation Solution

A modular base construction and setting method that allows rail members to be easily connected and disconnected, with each rail member matching the width of the base, enabling flexible configuration of the processing machine line by attaching additional rail members as needed, reducing the complexity of connection work and storage requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple rail members of different lengths are prepared to correspond to various movement distances, then the processing machine line can accommodate layout changes, but the cost increases and storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout change capabilityVSAvoidquantity of rail members

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The traveling rail is divided into multiple standardized rail members of a specified length that can be connected end-to-end. Instead of preparing different lengths of rail members, the patent uses uniform segments that are assembled in varying quantities to match different layout requirements, thereby reducing inventory complexity and storage needs while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single type of standardized rail member serves multiple functions by being connectable in different quantities and configurations. The universal rail member design allows the same component to fulfill various travel distance requirements when combined with others, eliminating the need for specialized rail members for each possible layout scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout change capabilityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the traveling rail into standardized, interchangeable rail members of uniform length, the patent reduces the variety of components that need to be stored. Instead of storing multiple lengths of custom-rail members, only one standardized type needs to be kept in inventory, significantly reducing storage space requirements while maintaining the ability to accommodate different layouts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If rail members are connected to form the traveling rail based on the layout of the processing machine line, then the rail length can be adjusted, but the connection work becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverail length adjustmentVSAvoidconnection construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traveling rail is segmented into standardized rail members with uniform connection interfaces. This segmentation enables simple, repeatable connection operations between identical components, reducing the complexity of assembly compared to connecting custom-fitted rail members of different lengths with varying connection requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

All rail members are designed with homogeneous dimensions and connection features, making each connection operation identical and straightforward. This uniformity simplifies the connection process compared to dealing with heterogeneous rail members of different lengths that would require different connection methods or adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

4Adaptability or versatility

If rail members are connected to form the traveling rail based on the layout of the processing machine line, then the rail length can be adjusted, but the connection work becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverail length adjustmentVSAvoidconnection work

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10675726B2Processing machine base construction and base setting method for configuring a processing machine line

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 FUJI CORP

AI summary

A base configuration of a processing machine line including a machine tool loaded on a base provided with a processing module that performs specified processing on a work, and an auto loader that transfers the work between processing modules, the base being configured such that a rail member of the auto loader that has a length to match the width of the base is assembled on a front section of the base, and, when multiple bases are arranged next to each other in an adjacent position at which rail members can be connected, an additional rail member is able to be attached to and removed from an additional base.