Open-Frame Manipulation Unit for Flexible Workpiece Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of vehicles requires flexible adaptation to changing requirements, such as model changes or production adjustments, which is hindered by the need for costly and time-consuming structural modifications to ceiling suspension systems and production halls due to weight absorption considerations.
Innovation Solution
A manipulation unit in the form of a driverless transport vehicle with wheels and a support frame, capable of horizontal and vertical movement, allows for flexible adaptation to changing production needs without requiring structural modifications, using a workpiece receptacle that can be mounted, suspended, and manipulated within the support frame, with synchronized wheel drives and sensor systems for navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ceiling suspension systems are used to support workpiece weight, then workpieces can be moved between process stations, but building costs significantly increase due to the need for structural reinforcement to absorb weight forces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of suspending the workpiece from the ceiling (traditional approach), the patent inverts the support concept by placing the manipulation unit on the floor with wheels that support the workpiece from below. The support frame with columns and horizontal support elements creates an inverted suspension system that eliminates the need for ceiling reinforcement while maintaining workpiece transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical ceiling suspension system with a floor-based wheeled manipulation unit. The weight absorption function is transferred from the building structure to the manipulation unit's support frame and wheels, substituting a flexible mobile mechanical system for a fixed structural mechanical system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If structural modifications are made to ceiling suspension systems or production hall pits to adapt to changed production requirements, then production flexibility is achieved, but cost-intensive and time-consuming structural works are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the manipulation unit mobile rather than fixed. The wheeled support frame can be moved to different positions and configurations without structural modifications to the building. This dynamic adaptability allows rapid response to changing production requirements without the time-consuming structural works associated with static systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation unit is designed as a universal platform that can handle various workpiece types and production configurations. The support frame with adjustable horizontal support elements and multiple wheels creates a multi-functional unit that can adapt to different production requirements, eliminating the need for specialized structural modifications for each production change.
3Productivity
If ceiling suspension systems are installed to handle workpieces from different levels, then multi-level processing is enabled, but the static design of the production hall becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses multi-level processing by adding vertical mobility to the manipulation unit through wheels that can navigate different floor levels and heights. The support frame with adjustable horizontal support elements provides vertical adjustment capability, enabling multi-level workpiece handling without requiring complex ceiling suspension infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
(EN) The invention relates to a manipulation unit (100) for horizontally and/or vertically moving a workpiece (700), the manipulation unit being in particular in the form of a driverless transport vehicle which is movable for its intended purpose over a floor (500), having wheels (110), a support frame (120), and a workpiece receptacle (130) fastened to the support frame (120), wherein the support frame (120) is open on several sides and has a side opening (122) for entry and/or exit of a separate manipulation unit (200, 300) and a floor opening (124) in the direction of the floor (500). The invention also relates to an installation having a manipulation unit (100) of this type and to a method for operating such an installation.