Modular Workpiece Carrier Frame for Reconfigurable Basket Height
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional workpiece carrier baskets require complete replacement when production processes change, leading to inefficiencies, costs, and lack of flexibility in adapting to different manufacturing needs.
Innovation Solution
A modular workpiece carrier frame system comprising frame corner modules with detachable corner elements and module frames, allowing for easy assembly and modification of frame size, height, and stability, enabling adaptation to various production processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional workpiece carrier basket is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the entire basket must be replaced when production processes change, leading to high costs and loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece carrier frame is divided into multiple detachable corner elements that can be individually selected and combined. Each corner element can be independently replaced or reconfigured, allowing the frame structure to be segmented into modular units that can be adapted without replacing the entire basket.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner elements are designed with universal connection features that allow them to be used in various frame configurations and combined with different carrier bases. The standardized corner elements can serve multiple functions across different production scenarios, reducing the need for specialized components for each process change.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire workpiece carrier basket is replaced when production processes change, then the new process requirements are met, but effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into replaceable corner elements that can be quickly swapped out without disassembling the entire basket. This allows rapid reconfiguration of the frame structure to meet new production requirements while retaining the carrier base and other intact components.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual corner elements can be discarded or recovered independently based on process changes. Used corner elements can be stored for future reconfiguration or replacement, while the main basket structure is preserved and reused, minimizing waste and reducing replacement time for future adaptations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If corner elements are detachably connected to allow height adjustment, then adaptability to different frame heights is achieved, but the structural stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The corner elements are segmented into stackable units with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation allows flexible height adjustment by adding or removing individual corner elements while maintaining structural integrity through the standardized connection design that ensures proper alignment and secure joining.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple corner elements are combined in a stacked arrangement with standardized connection features that merge them into a unified structural column. The combining design ensures that the stacked elements work together as a single stable unit, distributing loads effectively across all connection points to maintain overall frame stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Workpiece carrier frame, comprising a plurality of frame corner modules, each comprising a plurality of corner elements, and a module frame that encloses an interior of the workpiece carrier frame laterally. The frame corner modules are arranged in corner regions of the workpiece carrier frame and their corner elements are arranged stacked on top of one another and are detachably connected to one another, so that two adjacent corner elements from each plurality of corner elements are arranged on at least one of the upper side and the lower side of the module frame and the module frame extends between the two adjacent corner elements.