Pre-Separating Channel for Faster Joining Element Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated motor vehicle construction, the long-distance transportation of joining elements from a sorting device to a joining tool can lead to increased process duration and downtime due to the need for the robot to wait for new elements to arrive, especially when joining points are close together.
Innovation Solution
A pre-separating device integrated into the element feed system uses compressed air to convey joining elements through a channel with movable channel-blocking elements, allowing elements to be temporarily stored in 'waiting' positions near the joining head, reducing the distance and time required for final feed and enabling continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If joining elements are transported over a long distance from the sorting device to the joining head, then the joining elements can be supplied to the joining tool, but the process duration increases and the robot must wait for new elements to arrive
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-separating device performs preliminary separation and positioning of joining elements in a first waiting position before the industrial robot completes its movement to the joining point. This allows elements to be prepared in advance, so when the robot arrives, the element is already ready for immediate transfer, eliminating waiting time and improving joining process speed
Solution Approach 2:
The element supply process is segmented into multiple stages: long-distance transport to the pre-separating device, separation and positioning in the first waiting position, and final transfer to the joining head. This segmentation allows parallel operations where the robot can move to the joining point while the element is being prepared in the pre-separating device, reducing overall cycle time
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sorting device is positioned outside the working range of the industrial robot, then the sorting device can operate independently, but the joining elements must be transported over several meters increasing process duration
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-separating device acts as an intermediary between the sorting device and the joining head. It receives elements from the sorting device, performs separation and positioning, and then supplies elements to the joining head. This intermediary allows the sorting device to remain positioned outside the robot's working range while reducing the effective transport distance and preparation time for the joining 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
This solution reduces unproductive time between joining processes, shortens the overall process time, and improves equipment utilization by ensuring that joining elements are available closer to the joining head when needed, decoupling the start of the joining process from the time required for element transportation.
Implementation Method 1
joining elements can be conveyed to a joining-element holder at a joining head by means of compressed air
Implementation Method 2
transported onward via a compressed-air pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-separating device includes a channel which has a feed opening and an outlet opening and through which joining elements can be conveyed. A first channel-blocking element has a first actuating device and a second channel-blocking element has a second actuating device. Each of the first channel-blocking element and the second channel-blocking element is movable between a blocking position and a passage position. The second channel-blocking element is disposed downstream of the first channel-blocking element in a conveying direction of the joining elements. A first compressed-air supply opening leads into the channel upstream of the first channel-blocking element in the conveying direction and a second compressed-air supply opening leads into the channel between the first channel-blocking element and the second channel-blocking element.