Pallet Transport System with Turnable Support Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pallet transport systems for machine tools face difficulties in smooth pallet transport due to assembly errors and slanted pallet mounting surfaces, which hinder the alignment of pallet guide rails, leading to increased complexity and time in maintaining precise surface orientations.
Innovation Solution
A support mechanism that allows at least one of the stands or the pallet to turn, ensuring the orientation of the mounted surface matches the pallet mounting surface during transport, thereby correcting any slant and facilitating smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pallet mounting surfaces are maintained with zero slant to enable smooth transport, then the smoothness of pallet transport is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase due to assembly errors making it difficult to achieve perfect alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a turnable support mechanism that allows the first stand, second stand, or pallet to rotate dynamically during transport. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to assembly errors and maintain smooth pallet transport without requiring perfect initial alignment of the mounting surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the orientation parameter of the stand or pallet through rotational movement. By allowing the mounting surface orientation to change dynamically during transport, the system can compensate for assembly errors and achieve smooth transport conditions without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances.
2Ease of operation
If the pallet mounting surfaces are precisely aligned to eliminate slant, then the smoothness of pallet transport is improved, but the time and effort required for assembly and adjustment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a turnable support mechanism that is pre-configured to allow rotational adjustment during transport. This preliminary design feature eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment adjustments during assembly, as the system is inherently capable of self-adjustment through rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The turnable support mechanism enables the system to self-correct alignment issues during transport through rotational movement. Instead of requiring external intervention for precise alignment, the system automatically adapts to achieve smooth transport conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stands are fixed in position to maintain stable mounting surfaces, then the stability of the mounting surface is improved, but the ability to correct slant and enable smooth transport is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces rotational degrees of freedom to the previously fixed stands or pallets. The turnable support mechanism allows these components to rotate during transport, enabling dynamic correction of slant while maintaining stability during stationary operations such as machining.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the functions of stability and adjustability into different operational phases. The stands provide stable mounting during machining operations, while the turnable mechanism enables adjustment during transport phases, allowing both requirements to be satisfied without compromise.
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet transport system of a machine tool promoting transport of a pallet for workpiece mounting use from a first stand to an adjoining second stand, wherein the first stand has a first mounting part which defines a first mounting surface, the second stand has a second mounting part which defines a second mounting surface, and the pallet has a mounted part attachable to the first and second mounting parts, along a transport direction of the pallet, includes a support mechanism turnably supporting at least one of the first stand, the second stand, and the pallet so that the orientations of a mounted surface defined by the mounted part and the second mounting surface match due to contact force between the mounted part and the second mounting part along with transport of the pallet from the first stand to the second stand along the first mounting surface.