Movable Positioning Stop for Rod Workpiece Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading devices for machine tools face challenges in precisely positioning rod-like workpieces of varying cross-sectional dimensions, leading to inconsistencies in the transfer center alignment, which affects process reliability and can result in damage or misalignment during machining.
Innovation Solution
A loading device with a movable positioning stop and clamping mechanism that adjusts to different workpiece dimensions, using optical sensors and numerical control to ensure the cross-sectional center aligns with the transport center, and includes depth stops and pivotable arms to prevent misalignment and sagging, allowing for precise positioning and secure transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed positioning stop is used to support workpieces in the transfer position, then the structure is simple, but the cross-sectional centers of workpieces with different dimensions cannot be aligned with the transfer center
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning stop is made movable along the inclined workpiece support instead of being fixed. It can be delivered to different stop positions to accommodate workpieces of different cross-sectional dimensions, ensuring that the cross-sectional center always coincides with the transfer center. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between alignment precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the positioning stop is made variable along the inclined workpiece support. By changing the stop position parameter according to the workpiece dimensions, the system achieves precise alignment for different workpiece sizes while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
2Ease of operation
If workpieces are lowered onto a fixed positioning stop, then the loading process is simple, but the workpiece may hit the positioning stop causing damage and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning stop is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to different workpiece dimensions. This prevents workpieces from hitting the stop during lowering, eliminating damage and noise while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable positioning stop is positioned in advance to match the workpiece dimensions, preventing impact before it occurs. This prior adjustment ensures that workpieces are supported at the correct position during lowering, avoiding harmful impacts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the positioning stop is made movable to accommodate different workpiece dimensions, then alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning stop is made movable along the inclined workpiece support, enabling it to accommodate different workpiece dimensions. This dynamic capability provides high adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through straightforward mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable positioning stop serves multiple functions: it positions workpieces of different dimensions, prevents impact during loading, and ensures precise alignment. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Ensures high process reliability by consistently aligning the workpiece's cross-sectional center with the transport center, regardless of dimensions, reducing the risk of damage and noise, and enabling efficient transfer to the machining device.
Implementation Method 1
The support of the workpiece during the movement along the workpiece support prevents the workpiece from hitting the positioning stop there, as occurs in the case of the lowering described above under the effect of gravity. Damage and noise pollution associated with the impact of the workpiece are avoided by the positioning stop that can be moved along the inclined workpiece support.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The device (1) has a positioning device with a workpiece support (7) and a positioning stop (8). A workpiece (4) that lies on the workpiece support is supported in an acceptance position (12) against a force of gravity in a workpiece transverse direction by the positioning stop. The workpiece that is arranged in the acceptance position is carried from the transport device and is transported from the acceptance position toward a processing device (29). The positioning stop is movable along the inclined workpiece support and is adjusted to various stop positions. An independent claim is also included for a method for feeding a processing unit of a machine tool with a workpiece of a rod or bar type e.g. tube.