Pallet Changer Wedge Arm Cam Mechanism for Multi-Axis Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pallet changers require air lines and electrical lines for securing parts within a machine compartment, limiting movement to two-axis or three-axis, whereas four-axis or five-axis movement is often necessary for machining, and they cannot fit due to height constraints.
Innovation Solution
A pallet changer system that secures a pallet assembly to a receiver assembly using wedge arms, springs, and a cam mechanism without air lines or electrical switches, allowing for four-axis or five-axis movement and accommodating different machine compartment heights by using a tapering pull post and groove system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air lines and electrical lines are attached to the pallet changer, then the part can be secured and monitored, but the movement is limited to two-axis or three-axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes air lines and electrical lines from the pallet changer system. By extracting these restrictive elements, the system achieves four-axis or five-axis movement capability while maintaining securing functionality through the wedge arm and cam mechanism alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pneumatic and electrical systems with a purely mechanical wedge arm and cam mechanism for securing the pallet assembly. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for air lines and electrical lines, enabling greater movement freedom
2Device complexity
If traditional pallet changer structure is used, then air lines and electrical switches can be connected, but the system cannot accommodate different machine compartment heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic cam mechanism that can rotate to different positions, allowing the wedge arms to adjust accordingly. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to accommodate various machine compartment heights while maintaining the securing function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the wedge arms and cam mechanism to accommodate different heights. By modifying the angle and position parameters of these mechanical elements, the system adapts to various machine compartment configurations
3Strength
If the pallet changer is designed for secure attachment, then the part is firmly secured, but the height constraints prevent insertion into machine compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical height constraint to a rotational dimension by using a cam mechanism. Instead of extending vertically, the securing action is achieved through rotational movement of the cam, which actuates the wedge arms horizontally to secure the pallet assembly
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 secure attachment and four-axis or five-axis movement of parts within the machine compartment without air lines or electrical switches, overcoming height limitations and enhancing machining capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The cam may be moved to and/or may be rotated to an open position to move the first wedge arm outwardly with respect to the second wedge arm for inserting or for removing the arm and/or the pull post of the pallet assembly from the receiver assembly. The cam may be moved and/or may be rotated to a closed position to move the first wedge arm inwardly with respect to the second wedge arm for connecting, for attaching and/or for securing the arm and/or the pull post of the pallet assembly to the receiver assembly.
Implementation Method 2
Springs of the receiver assembly may apply a force to the first wedge arm and/or the second wedge arm to attach and/or to connect the pallet assembly to the receiver assembly.
Implementation Method 3
The pull post of the pallet assembly may have a first tapering for inserting between a first wedge arm and a second wedge arm of the receiver assembly. The first tapering on the pull post may correspond to and/or may match a second tapering on the first wedge arm and/or the second wedge arm.
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet changer and a system and a method for using the same attach, secure and/or connect a part and/or pallet assembly to a receiver assembly for machining the part. A groove and/or a pull post of the pallet assembly is insertable between a first wedge arm and a second wedge arm in an interior of the receiver assembly. Springs within the interior of the receiver assembly exert forces against the first wedge arm and the second wedge arm to maintain the first wedge arm and/or the second wedge arm in a first position within the interior of the receiver assembly. A key and/or a cam moves and/or rotates to move the first wedge arm and/or the second wedge arm from the first position to a second position. A first tapering on the pallet assembly engages and/or corresponds to a second tapering on the first wedge arm and/or the second wedge arm to secure and/or to attach the pallet assembly to the receiver assembly in the second position. A first plate attached to the interior of the receiver assembly prevents the cam from rotating the first wedge arm within the interior of the receiver assembly. A second plate connected to a passage of the receiver assembly prevents the key from being removed from the receiver assembly with the first wedge arm and/or the second wedge arm in the first position.