Pallet Carrier Energy Interface for Continuous Vacuum Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal machining centers face challenges in removing a single pallet without disrupting the vacuum supply, leading to inefficiencies during pallet change cycles.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an energy supply interface on the pallet carrier, which provides vacuum and other working media independently of the machining center, allowing for seamless pallet removal and introduction while maintaining vacuum supply during pivoting and turning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single pallet is removed from the horizontal machining center, then the pallet change cycle time is reduced, but the vacuum supply to the pallet is interrupted causing workpiece securing issues
Solution Approach 1:
A portable power supply interface is introduced as an intermediary device that temporarily provides vacuum and other working media to the pallet during the transition phase when it is removed from the machining center. This interface travels with the pallet on the pivot arm, ensuring continuous vacuum supply throughout the pallet change operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply connection transitions from a static connection to the machining center to a dynamic connection that moves with the pallet. The portable power supply interface is positioned on the pivot arm and moves synchronously with the pallet during pivoting and turning operations, maintaining continuous supply despite positional changes.
2Reliability
If the power supply interface is attached to the pallet carrier, then continuous vacuum supply is maintained during pallet operations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable power supply interface is designed to provide multiple functions through a single integrated unit: vacuum supply, pneumatic supply, hydraulic supply, and electrical signal transmission. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems for each working medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply interface utilizes flexible connections including hoses and cables that can bend and extend as the pallet moves through its range of motion. These flexible elements allow the interface to maintain connections during dynamic operations without requiring rigid mechanical linkages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible supply lines are used to connect the interface to the stationary power supply, then the interface can move with the pallet carrier, but the risk of line collision and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply lines are routed through the third dimension by positioning them within the structural framework of the pivot arm. The hoses and cables are channeled through designated pathways and protective conduits that elevate them above the pallet's path of motion, preventing collision while allowing the interface to move freely with the pallet.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible supply lines are nested within protective conduits and structural elements of the pivot arm assembly. The hoses are routed through hollow sections of the arm structure, and cables are contained within protective channels, providing mechanical protection while maintaining flexibility and movement capability.
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 efficient pallet changes by ensuring continuous vacuum supply and operation of the pallet carrier, reducing downtime and improving the overall processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum needed to secure the workpiece to the pallet during swiveling and turning
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (V) for pivoting, turning and changing pallets (P) on a horizontal processing center, having pivot arms (1) which can pivot synchronously about a pivot axis (2), each having a pallet carrier (4), which can turn about a turning axis (5), for selectively docking and undocking at least one pallet (P), which apparatus can be connected to a power supply (9) which also provides a vacuum for workpiece fixing, wherein a co-movable power supply interface (S) connected to the power supply (9) via the pivot arm (1) is provided on the pallet carrier (4).