Modular Miniature Machining Center for Robot-Integrated Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining centers are not fully designed for automated production, requiring additional industrial robots and manual configuration, which limits their efficiency and flexibility in both small series and individual piece production.
Innovation Solution
A modular transportable workpiece processing device with separate processing and control/supply units, allowing for flexible positioning and operation, enabling integration with existing industrial robots and facilitating fully automated production without the need for permanent handling device assignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If machining centers are designed as complex structural units with all components firmly positioned, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The machining center is divided into separate modular units: a processing unit containing the machining head and tool magazine, and a control/supply unit containing the control system and power supply. These modules can be positioned independently yet work together through standardized interfaces, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining machining precision through rigid module construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates movable and adjustable components within the modular structure, such as the tool magazine that can be positioned at different locations and the processing unit that can be reconfigured for different machining operations. This dynamic flexibility reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for completely different machines for various operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If machining centers are designed as integrated units, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adaptability to different production scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modular machining center design allows the same processing unit to be used with different control/supply units and configured for various machining operations (milling, drilling, tapping). The standardized interfaces and reconfigurable tool magazine enable one machine to perform multiple functions, increasing adaptability while maintaining precision through consistent module construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the tool magazine position and the processing unit orientation to adapt to different workpiece sizes and machining requirements. This flexibility enables the same hardware to serve multiple production scenarios without compromising machining accuracy.
3Productivity
If additional industrial robots are installed for automated production, then productivity increases, but device complexity and investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control and power supply functions are merged into a single integrated control/supply unit that can serve multiple processing units. This consolidation reduces the number of separate systems needed for automated production, lowering device complexity and investment costs while maintaining high productivity through centralized control.
4Productivity
If workpiece exchange duration is reduced for fully automatic production, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases due to additional assembly devices
Solution Approach 1:
The machining center incorporates automatic tool changing and workpiece handling capabilities within the processing unit itself, such as automated tool magazine selection and programmable workpiece clamping. This self-service functionality reduces cycle time for workpiece exchange without requiring complex external handling systems, as the machine performs these operations autonomously.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention comprises a transportable workpiece processing device (1), in particular a miniature processing center, comprising a processing unit (2) and a control and/or supply unit (3), the processing unit (2), in particular drilling and/or milling tools comprehensive tool means (7) for machining a workpiece that can be held in a machining area by means of holding means (8), in particular comprising clamping means, and relative movement means (9) for positioning the tool means (7) and/or the holding means (8) holding the workpiece within the processing area, and wherein the control and/or supply unit (3) has control and/or supply means for controlling and/or supplying the processing unit (2) with electrical energy and/or at least one medium.