Modular Workpiece Carrier Frame for Fast Process Reconfiguration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece carrier baskets require complete replacement when manufacturing processes change, leading to significant effort and expense.
Innovation Solution
A modular workpiece carrier frame system composed of frame corner modules and module frames, allowing components to be easily assembled and disassembled, with adjustable height and size, and compatible with interchangeable support bases.
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 manufacturing processes change, leading to high expense and loss of substance
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece carrier basket is divided into separate modular components: a base and a frame assembly. The frame assembly itself is segmented into multiple frame modules that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows only the necessary portions to be replaced when process changes occur, rather than replacing the entire basket, thereby reducing material waste while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame modules are designed with universal connection features (recesses and protrusions) that allow them to be assembled in various configurations with different base types. This universality enables the same frame modules to serve multiple functions and adapt to different manufacturing processes, improving versatility without requiring complete basket replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional workpiece carrier basket is used, then the structure is simple, but replacement involves considerable effort and loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the basket into replaceable frame modules and base components, the system allows for partial replacements rather than full basket replacement. This reduces the time required for adaptation when manufacturing processes change, as only the necessary modules need to be swapped out while other components remain in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame modules are designed with dynamic, detachable connections featuring recesses and protrusions that enable quick assembly and disassembly. This dynamic design allows for rapid reconfiguration of the basket structure to accommodate process changes, significantly reducing the time required for replacements compared to fixed conventional designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular workpiece carrier frame system is used, then adaptability to changing manufacturing processes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into modular components does increase structural complexity, it enables standardized connection interfaces (recesses and protrusions) that simplify assembly procedures. The segmented design allows for systematic reconfiguration without requiring complex custom fabrication, balancing increased component variety with simplified assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple frame modules are combined using standardized recess and protrusion connections that merge the components into a unified structure. This merging approach, while creating more components, uses consistent connection methods across all modules, which actually reduces the operational complexity of assembly and reconfiguration compared to custom-fit conventional designs.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a workpiece carrier frame (1) comprising a plurality of frame corner modules (5), each having a plurality of corner elements (9), and a module frame (7, 71, 72) laterally enclosing an interior of the workpiece carrier frame (1), wherein the frame corner modules (5) are arranged in corner regions of the workpiece carrier frame (1) and their corner elements (9) are arranged stacked on top of one another and are detachably connected to one another, so that two adjacent corner elements (9) from each plurality of corner elements (9) are arranged on the UPPER side or underside of the module frame (7, 71, 72) and the module frame (7, 71, 72) extends between the two adjacent corner elements (9).