Pendular Press-Line Handling with Dual Robots and Variable Crossbar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling systems for press lines, such as those using single-arm manipulators or pendulum-like solutions, face issues with vibrations and high costs, limited versatility, and require significant adaptations to presses and dies, making them unsuitable for various press configurations and taking up excessive space.
Innovation Solution
A pendular handling system with two articulated robots, each having at least four rotational axes, mounted with their first axis horizontal and perpendicular to the press line flow direction, allowing for efficient pendulum-like motion and enabling the use of shorter crossbars that avoid interference with press dies, utilizing standard industrial robots for increased versatility and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a pendulum-like solution with two manipulators is used, then fast operation is achieved, but the crossbar must extend all the distance between the arms and has a fixed length, requiring extra space between press and columns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the crossbar length variable rather than fixed. The crossbar can be adjusted in length to adapt to different press configurations and distances between manipulator arms, eliminating the need for extra fixed space between press and columns while maintaining fast pendular operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of crossbar length from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted according to the specific press configuration and distance requirements, allowing the system to optimize performance for different applications without requiring excessive space.
2Speed
If a pendulum-like solution with two manipulators is used, then fast operation is achieved, but the guides of the die may interfere with the crossbar, requiring adaptations
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable crossbar length allows the system to dynamically adapt to different die guide positions and press configurations, avoiding interference while maintaining fast pendular operation speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal handling system that can work with various press and die configurations through the adjustable crossbar, eliminating the need for specific adaptations to presses and dies while maintaining high-speed operation.
3Reliability
If dedicated manipulators designed for specific press systems are used, then reliability is improved, but cost increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard articulated robots with adjustable crossbar lengths that can serve multiple press configurations and applications, achieving both reliability through proven robot technology and versatility through adaptability to different press and die setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable crossbar provides the flexibility needed for standard robots to reliably serve multiple press configurations, combining the reliability of proven robotic systems with the adaptability needed for various applications.
4Ease of manufacture
If standard articulated robots are used, then cost is reduced and versatility is improved, but the distance between wrists must be managed to avoid interference
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable crossbar allows standard articulated robots to be positioned optimally for cost-effectiveness while the crossbar length is adjusted to prevent wrist interference, combining economic benefits with proper spatial management.
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 system achieves improved cycle times, adaptability to various press configurations, and reduced costs by using standard industrial robots, while maintaining efficient operation and avoiding interference with press die guides, making it suitable for all types of presses and dies.
Implementation Method 1
Mounting the robots with their first axes horizontal and perpendicular to the press line flow direction allows them to operate with a pendulum-like motion, thereby profiting from the advantages associated with this kind of solution, such as speed
Data Source
AI summary
A pendular handling system for handling parts in a press line may have two articulated robots arranged on opposite sides with respect to the central vertical plane of the press line, each robot having at least four rotational axes in series between a robot base and a robot wrist, and each robot being mounted with the first axis horizontal and perpendicular to the press line flow direction, a first arm of each robot can swing in a vertical plane in the press line flow direction.