Modular Rotary Table Assembly for Expanding Robotic Workpiece Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional stationary robotic devices are limited by their physical reach and workspace, leading to restricted access to workpieces and increased costs due to the need for multiple robot stations, which hinders productivity and space utilization in manufacturing applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular rotary table assembly with a rotatable table top surface driven by a gearbox, allowing interchangeable table top segments of varying diameters and precise positioning, which increases the robotic device's reach and accessibility while conserving space and reducing the need for multiple robot stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional stationary robotic devices are used, then the robotic device can perform welding operations, but the physical reach and workspace are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device is mounted on a rotatable table that can rotate to different positions, transforming the stationary robotic device into a dynamic system. This allows the robotic device to access workpieces at various angles and positions around the table, significantly expanding its effective reach and accessibility without requiring multiple fixed robot stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the robotic device's workspace by mounting it on a rotatable table. This transforms the limited linear reach of a stationary robot into a three-dimensional workspace that encompasses the entire table perimeter, allowing access to workpieces from multiple angular positions.
2Ease of operation
If multiple robot stations are used to increase reach, then accessibility to workpieces improves, but workstation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple separate robot stations, the invention merges multiple work positions into a single integrated system. One robotic device mounted on a rotatable table can perform operations at various positions around the table, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple stationary robots into one space-efficient unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The single robotic device becomes multi-functional through the rotatable table, capable of performing welding operations at multiple positions and angles. This universal setup replaces the need for specialized robot stations for different work positions, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Length of moving object
If multiple robot stations are used to expand workspace, then reach and accessibility improve, but investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable table transforms a single robotic device into a multi-position system, providing the workspace equivalent of multiple robots at a fraction of the cost. This dynamic configuration allows one robot to perform the work of several stationary robots, reducing investment in additional robotic equipment while expanding effective workspace.
4Productivity
If traditional stationary setup is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is limited by physical reach
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable table adds rotational movement capability to the robotic system, enabling the robot to access workpieces from multiple positions without requiring physical repositioning of the workpiece or setup changes. This dynamic capability significantly improves manufacturing efficiency by allowing continuous operation across multiple work positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece or workspace is effectively segmented into multiple positions around the rotatable table, with the robotic device able to service each segment in sequence. This segmentation approach allows complex multi-position welding operations to be performed by a single robot, improving productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary table assembly for supporting a workpiece can include a table having a table top surface positioned in a first plane, where the table has a first axis of rotation. The rotary table assembly can also include a support frame having a support surface spaced apart from the first axis of rotation at a first precise, predetermined distance. The support surface is positioned in a second plane at least substantially parallel to the first plane and spaced apart from the first plane at a second precise, predetermined distance. The rotary table assembly can also include a workpiece positioner fixedly connectable to the table, where the workpiece positioner has at least one support for supporting a workpiece off the table top surface, and the at least one support has at least a second axis of rotation. The rotary table assembly can further include a gearbox for precisely rotating the table.