Modular Production Modules With Manipulator Transfer Buffers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production systems lack flexibility and efficiency in workpiece processing, particularly in modular setups where multiple production stages are performed in a common space, limiting the ability to integrate intermediate steps and maintain the system without modifying overall configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular production system with separate production spaces and manipulator units that allow for continuous or cyclic workpiece transport, enabling flexible integration of intermediate steps and easy maintenance by using a deposit system and manipulator units with displacement carriages for transferring workpieces between production modules along a production line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple production operations are performed in one common production space, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and ease of maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The production system is divided into multiple independent production modules, each with its own production space. This segmentation allows each module to be independently configured, maintained, and modified without affecting the entire system, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Deposit systems with deposit units are introduced as intermediary elements between production modules. These deposit units serve as buffer zones that enable flexible integration of intermediate production steps, allowing workpieces to be temporarily stored and transferred between modules, thus enhancing system adaptability.
2Loss of time
If multiple production operations are performed in one common production space, then setup time is reduced, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the production system into independent modules, maintenance can be performed on individual modules without shutting down the entire production line. This modular approach reduces overall maintenance time and improves ease of repair while maintaining efficient setup through standardized module configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If workpieces are transferred between production modules, then production flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator units and deposit systems are designed with universal interfaces and standardized functions that can be applied across all production modules. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the manipulator system while maintaining high production flexibility, as the same basic components can handle different workpiece transfer operations throughout the system.
Data Source
AI summary
The underlying invention relates in particular to a production module for a production line which is modularly populatable with production modules. In embodiments, provision is made whereby the production module comprises at least one manipulator unit with which a workpiece or a workpiece component is, during the production process, transferable between a deposit position and a production position in the production space of a production module which, for the execution of a production step, is positioned directly downstream in a production direction (R) along the production line.