Modular Rotary Table and Headstock for Expanded Robot Reach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional robotic devices are limited by their physical reach and workspace, leading to restricted access for workpieces at various angles, and the added cost of multiple robot stations.
Innovation Solution
A modular rotary table assembly and modular rotary headstock positioner assembly are introduced, featuring a table with a rotatable top surface driven by a gearbox, allowing for interchangeable table top segments and robotic devices with precise positioning, thereby increasing the physical reach and utilization of robotic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional robotic devices are used with fixed workspace, then the device structure is simple, but the physical reach and access to workpieces at various angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary table is divided into multiple interchangeable table top segments that can be swapped to change the working diameter and reach. This segmentation allows the robotic system to access workpieces at various angles and distances without requiring multiple complete robot stations, thereby increasing physical reach while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple robot stations are deployed to increase workspace coverage, then the physical reach is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single robotic device is made multi-functional through the interchangeable rotary table segments. The same robot can service different workpiece sizes and configurations by simply changing the table top segment, eliminating the need for multiple specialized robot stations. This universal approach maintains adaptability while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary table system dynamically adapts its working configuration by allowing operators to swap table top segments based on the specific workpiece requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration enables one robot station to perform the work of multiple fixed stations, improving versatility without increasing the number of robot units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable table top segments are used to increase flexibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The table top is segmented into standardized modules with precision-machined interfaces that ensure accurate positioning when assembled and disassembled. These segmented components incorporate alignment features and tolerance-compensating design elements that maintain manufacturing precision despite the interchangeable nature of the parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indicators (such as colored alignment pins or marked reference surfaces) to guide proper alignment during assembly of interchangeable segments. This visual guidance system helps operators achieve correct positioning without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, thereby maintaining adaptability while managing precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary headstock positioner assembly for rotatably supporting a workpiece includes a headstock positioner having a support for supporting a workpiece off the ground, where the support has an axis of rotation in a first plane at least substantially parallel to the ground. The rotary headstock positioner assembly also includes a gearbox fixedly connected to the headstock positioner for precisely rotating the support. The rotary headstock positioner assembly further includes a support frame for supporting the headstock positioner, where the support frame has a support surface spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the at least one support at a first precise, predetermined distance. The support surface is also 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.