Pallet Carrier Vacuum Interface for Independent Pallet Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal machining centers face inefficiencies in pallet change cycles due to the inability to remove a single pallet without disrupting the vacuum supply required for workpiece fixation during swiveling and turning.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an energy supply interface on a pallet carrier, connected via a flexible duct, ensures continuous vacuum supply and other working media to the pallet during swiveling and turning, allowing for independent operation of individual pallets without compromising the vacuum, and includes features like vacuum bells, hydraulic cylinders, and signal transmitters for secure pallet handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two pallets are connected back to back to the pallet carrier for vacuum supply, then the vacuum supply is stable, but a single pallet cannot be removed without losing vacuum supply
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum supply system is segmented into two independent paths: one for the first pallet and one for the second pallet. Each pallet has its own vacuum inlet connection to the vacuum source, allowing independent operation and removal of either pallet without affecting the vacuum supply to the other pallet or to the pallet carrier itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet carrier is designed with universal vacuum supply capability that can serve multiple functions: supplying vacuum to the first pallet, supplying vacuum to the second pallet, and maintaining vacuum supply independently of pallet presence. The vacuum inlets are positioned and configured to provide universal access regardless of which pallet is installed.
2Productivity
If a single pallet is removed from the horizontal machining center, then pallet change efficiency improves, but vacuum supply is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum supply connections are pre-configured on the pallet carrier such that vacuum is continuously available at the vacuum inlets regardless of pallet installation status. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when a pallet is removed, the vacuum supply infrastructure remains intact and ready to immediately supply the next pallet without disruption or reconfiguration.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the energy supply interface is attached to the pallet carrier, then working media can be continuously supplied during swivelling and turning, but the interface must remain stable and accessible throughout movement
Solution Approach 1:
The energy supply interface is positioned on the pallet carrier in a location that transitions from a two-dimensional surface mounting to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement that maintains constant accessibility. The interface is oriented and positioned such that it remains accessible from the outside of the pallet carrier throughout the swivelling and turning movements, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to its placement that ensures continuous access regardless of the carrier's orientation.
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 seamless and efficient pallet changes by maintaining vacuum supply and operational media to individual pallets, reducing downtime and ensuring reliable workpiece fixation during machining center operations.
Implementation Method 1
a single pallet at least can be removed because it is then not supplied with the vacuum required to fix the workpiece on the pallet
Implementation Method 2
the interface is connected via a flexible and movable supply line duct, supported by the swivel arm, for example with the stationary energy supply
Implementation Method 3
one hydraulic inlet respectively can be connected on the pallet carrier to a pair of hydraulic cylinders per pallet level of the pallet carrier, by means of which the respective pallet can be docked on or docked off in one of two pallet levels
Data Source
AI summary
In a device for swivelling, turning and changing pallets on a horizontal machining center, with swivel arms that can be synchronously swiveled about a swivel axis, each of them having a pallet carrier turnable around a turning axis, for docking and undocking of at least one pallet, which can be connected to a power supply that also provides a vacuum for fixing the workpiece; on the pallet carrier, a power supply interface connected with the power supply via the swivel arm is provided which can be moved along.