Movable Mounting Member for Optical Inspection Rotary Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical inspection machines require extensive downtime for maintenance and recalibration due to the delicate nature of transparent rotary tables, which are prone to scratching and need frequent replacement or repair, involving disassembly of machine components.
Innovation Solution
A movable central mounting member that allows vertical movement between a lowered work position for access and a raised rest position, facilitating quick replacement and maintenance of the rotary table, along with adjustable viewing units and ejection stations, utilizing a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator and electric shaft with an encoder for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rotary table is made transparent (e.g., glass) to allow viewing of both upper and lower surfaces, then the inspection capability is improved, but the rotary table becomes delicate and prone to scratching
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the rotary table from the machine structure by introducing a movable mounting member that can be detached. This segmentation allows the rotary table to be independently replaced without affecting the entire machine structure, resolving the contradiction between using fragile transparent material and maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable mounting member acts as an intermediary between the machine structure and the rotary table. This intermediary component absorbs the shock of potential damage and facilitates easy replacement of the fragile rotary table, protecting the overall system while maintaining inspection capability.
2Reliability
If the rotary table is replaced or repaired, then the durability issue is addressed, but the machine must be disassembled and recalibrated, causing extensive downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is segmented into separable components with the rotary table mounted on a movable mounting member that can be independently removed. This allows replacement of the rotary table without disassembling the entire machine, dramatically reducing maintenance downtime while addressing durability concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary table is extracted from the fixed machine structure and mounted on a movable platform that can be easily removed and repositioned. This extraction eliminates the need for extensive disassembly and recalibration during maintenance, reducing downtime while improving reliability.
3Device complexity
If the viewing units and ejection stations are secured to a central mounting member, then the structural organization is improved, but accessing the rotary table requires disassembly of these components
Solution Approach 1:
The central mounting member is made dynamic by introducing vertical movement capability through pneumatic or hydraulic actuators. This allows the mounting member to move between a raised position (providing access to the rotary table) and a lowered position (maintaining structural organization), resolving the contradiction between organized structure and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a vertical dimension to the mounting member's movement, allowing it to rise and fall. This dimensional change enables easy access to the rotary table for repairs while maintaining the organized structural arrangement during operation, without requiring disassembly of viewing units or ejection stations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and safe replacement of the rotary table, reducing downtime and recalibration needs, allowing for continuous operation and improved maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The central mounting member is movable vertically between a lowered work position and a raised rest position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator and electric shaft with an encoder for precise positioning
Data Source
AI summary
An optical inspection machine for the quality control of parts, in particular gaskets, comprises a rotary table on which parts to be inspected are placed and, above the rotary table, at least one viewing unit for inspecting one or more outer and/or inner surfaces of a part, a first part ejection station that is activatable to eject a part from the rotary table to a first external conveyor for compliant parts, and a second part ejection station that is activatable to eject a part from the rotary table to a second external conveyor for rejected parts. The viewing unit and part ejection stations are positioned on the rotary table with an angular distance between them, and are connected to a central mounting member that is coaxial to the axis of the rotary table and is movable vertically in relation to the rotary table.