Pallet Loader Guide Features for Vibration-Free CMM Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet loaders for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) lack efficient mechanisms for guiding and transferring pallets, often requiring moving members to carry pallets between bays and the CMM, which can lead to vibrations and distortions, and do not effectively control rotational and lateral motion of pallets.
Innovation Solution
A pallet loader with cooperating guide features on the pallet and loader, including a static intermediate member and ball-bearing systems, that guide pallets along predetermined paths and control rotational orientation, eliminating the need for a moving member to transfer pallets between bays and the CMM, while supporting the pallet's weight and preventing unintended motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a moving member is used to carry pallets between bays and the CMM, then pallet transfer is enabled, but vibrations and distortions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the moving member (shuttle cart or robotic arm) from the system entirely. Instead, pallets are transferred directly between bays and the CMM using the guide features and gravity-assisted movement, eliminating the source of vibrations and distortions while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The guide features act as an intermediary mechanism between pallets and the CMM. These features provide a predetermined path that guides pallet movement without requiring active moving members, thereby transferring pallets while minimizing vibrations and distortions
2Manufacturing precision
If guide features are added to control pallet motion, then rotational and lateral motion control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide features are implemented as simple local modifications to the pallet and loader surfaces rather than complex mechanical systems. The guide features on the pallet underside and corresponding features on the loader create precise motion control through localized geometric constraints, avoiding overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active mechanisms to control pallet motion, the patent uses passive guide features that constrain motion through their geometry. The predetermined path is defined by the interaction between guide features on the pallet and loader, inverting the traditional approach of using motors and actuators for motion control
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
The solution enables efficient, vibration-free transfer of pallets between bays and the CMM, ensuring precise control of pallet motion and orientation, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of pallet damage or operator injury.
Implementation Method 1
ball-bearing systems
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet loader for a positioning apparatus, including at least two pallet bays and at least one intermediate member, arranged such that at least two pallet bays are located on different sides of the intermediate member, such that at least one pallet can be driven i) from one pallet bay to another, and ii) from one pallet bay to a positioning apparatus, in which the apparatus includes cooperating guide features on the underside of the at least one pallet and on one or more of the intermediate member and pallet bays for guiding the pallet along a predetermined path and/or for controlling the rotational orientation of the pallet about a vertical axis, as the pallet moves across the intermediate member/pallet bay.