Offset Robot Base for Machine Tool Loading and Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot systems for loading and unloading workpieces from machine tools often compromise on workspace accessibility during maintenance, either by being too large, limiting the robot's size and weight, or requiring costly rail-based movement, which restricts the robot's ability to handle large workpieces and maintain the machine tool's front space.
Innovation Solution
A robot system with a base member offset from the machine tool's door, featuring a rotary member and swivel arm mechanisms that allow the robot to retract and extend slantedly, enabling it to reach a broader range inside the machine tool while maintaining a clear workspace for maintenance, and incorporating additional rotating mechanisms for precise workpiece positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the robot base member is positioned at the front of the door for efficient loading and unloading, then the loading and unloading operation efficiency is improved, but the workspace for maintenance becomes narrow and work becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The robot base member is made movable along the rail between a first position (front of door) for efficient loading/unloading operations and a second position (offset from door) for maintaining clear workspace during maintenance. This dynamic repositioning allows the system to optimize for different operational modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot is made large to handle large workpieces, then the workpiece handling capability is improved, but the robot total height increases and transport separate from the molding machine becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing robot size in vertical dimension, the invention positions the base member offset from the door and orients the arm assembly to extend toward the door at an angle. This spatial reconfiguration in horizontal dimensions allows the robot to handle large workpieces without increasing total height.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot arm enters the door at a slant to reach broader areas, then the workpiece positioning capability is improved, but the robot configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm assembly is configured with asymmetric orientation where the arm extends toward the door at a slanted angle rather than perpendicular to the base. This asymmetric configuration enables the front end of the arm to reach broader areas inside the door including left side spaces, improving workpiece positioning capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot includes a base member, which is installed at a position offset from the front of a door of a machine tool to the side, as viewed in a direction vertical to the surface where the door is provided and is fixed to a surface of a base slanted so as to face the door side. A rotary member is coupled to the base member so as to be rotatable about a first axis extending vertical to the slanted surface. A first arm member is coupled to the rotary member so as to be able to swivel about a second axis vertical to the first axis, and a second arm member is coupled to the first arm member so as to be able to swivel about a third axis parallel to the second axis.