Automated Panel Loading Arm for Vertical Machining Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual loading of large and heavy composite panels onto vertical machining centers is challenging, requiring multiple operators and risking damage to the panels due to their size and weight, as conventional handlers interfere with the operation and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An automated device with a support structure and an arm equipped with vacuum suction cups that can pick up panels from a stack, rotate, and position them onto a machine tool table, allowing for single-operator operation without physical effort, featuring adjustable height and sliding pins for easy panel alignment and loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual loading is used by two or more operators, then the panels can be loaded onto the machine tool, but the risk of panel damage and operator injury increases, and the operation becomes complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical loading system with an automated robotic arm system. The robotic arm equipped with adaptive grippers automatically picks up panels from the stack and places them on the machine tool table, eliminating the need for manual handling by operators. This substitution reduces the risk of panel damage from knocks and eliminates operator injury risks while maintaining efficient loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading system is designed to be self-sufficient through the robotic arm that autonomously performs the complete loading sequence. The system includes automatic panel detection, gripping, lifting, and positioning capabilities, allowing it to operate independently without requiring multiple human operators to manually handle each panel, thus reducing both labor intensity and damage risk.
2Extent of automation
If conventional handlers are used to grip the upward-facing panel, then automated handling is achieved, but the handler interferes with the panel placement operation since the gripped face must be placed on the table
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system employs dynamic, adjustable grippers that can adapt their gripping force and position based on the panel characteristics and operation phase. The grippers can release the panel at the optimal moment during the placement operation, allowing the panel to be positioned on the table without interference. This dynamic control enables automated handling while maintaining smooth placement operation.
3Reliability
If panels are stacked with the good face facing upward for quality control, then the aesthetic finish is protected during storage, but conventional handlers cannot grip the panel without interfering with the placement operation
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm with specialized grippers acts as an intermediary between the stacked panels and the machine tool table. The grippers are designed to contact and grip the upward-facing good face of the panels without causing damage, using controlled force and appropriate contact points. This intermediary mechanism enables both the maintenance of quality control orientation and the execution of automated handling operations.
4Productivity
If manual handling of large and heavy panels is performed, then the panels can be loaded onto the machine tool, but the physical effort and safety risks for operators increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling by operators with an automated robotic arm system. The robotic arm is capable of lifting and positioning large and heavy composite panels without requiring human physical effort. This substitution eliminates operator injury risks associated with handling heavy panels while maintaining high productivity in the panel loading operation.
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, safe, and automated loading of panels onto vertical machining centers, reducing operator risk and preventing panel damage, allowing for single-operator operation and minimizing manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
at least one arm (6) provided with pick-up means (7) adapted to pick up a panel (8) from a stack of panels (9)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for loading flat elements, such as panels or the like, onto a table (P) of a machine tool comprising a support structure (2) defining a supporting surface (3) substantially parallel to said table (P) of the machine, at least one arm (6) provided with pick-up means (7) adapted to pick up a panel (8) from a stack (9) of prepared panels, said arm (6) being pivoted on a bracket (10), actuator means (12) adapted to rotate said arm (6) from a pick-up position, where it grips the panel (8) by a first face (A) facing upward, to a release position where it positions said panel with said first face (A) on said supporting surface (3), there being provided means (14) adapted to vary the height of said bracket (10) to vary the height of said at least one arm (6) in the pick-up position as the height of the stack (9) of panels varies.