Trajectory Simulation for Multi-Station Press Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optimizing workpiece transport trajectories in multi-station presses to achieve high throughput is challenging due to the complexity of defining trajectories that balance speed, efficiency, and component wear, often requiring extensive expertise and trial-and-error.

Innovation Solution

A method that generates and tests candidate workpiece transport trajectories by providing constraints, machine properties, and trajectory templates, simulating conformance with machine parameters, and displaying results to facilitate optimization of throughput and component wear, using software that can be run on personal computers or dedicated hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user is provided with limited possibilities of influencing the trajectory, then the ease of operation is improved, but the throughput cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines optimal trajectory parameters by simulating workpiece transport and evaluating conformity with machine parameters. The computer reads machine data, generates candidate trajectories, and selects optimal parameters without requiring extensive user expertise or manual trial-and-error, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving throughput optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual trajectory definition and optimization (mechanical/operator-based process) with an automated computer-based simulation and evaluation system. The computer performs automated simulation of workpiece transport, checks conformity with machine parameters, and determines optimal trajectory parameters, substituting the need for operator expertise and manual adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If the parameters to be defined are so many that parameterizing the trajectory amounts to a complex and lengthy task, then the manufacturing precision can be optimized, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory optimizationVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically handles the complex task of parameterizing trajectories by reading machine data, generating candidate trajectories with multiple parameters, and selecting optimal values. The computer performs automated simulation and evaluation, eliminating the need for operators to manually define numerous trajectory parameters, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the complex trajectory parameterization task from the operator's responsibilities and transfers it to an automated computer-based simulation system. The computer handles data reading, candidate generation, simulation, and parameter selection, separating the complex optimization process from manual operation and enabling precise trajectory definition without operator burden

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If extensive trial and error is required to determine suitable trajectories, then the manufacturing precision can be improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory optimizationVSAvoidtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automated simulation and evaluation of candidate trajectories before actual production. The computer reads machine data, generates multiple candidate trajectories, simulates their performance, and pre-determines optimal parameters, eliminating the need for extensive trial-and-error during operation and significantly reducing the time required to achieve precise trajectory optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual trial-and-error trajectory optimization with an automated computer-based simulation and evaluation system. The computer performs rapid simulation of multiple candidate trajectories, automatically checks conformity with machine parameters, and determines optimal parameters, substituting the time-consuming manual iterative process with efficient automated computation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2909684B1Method and arrangement for the generation and testing of candidate workpiece transport trajectories in a multiple station press
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 GUDEL GROUP AG
  • EP2909684B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2909684B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2909684B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method for the determination of workpiece transport trajectories in a multiple station press, comprises the steps of providing a set of constraints for the workpiece transport trajectories, the constraints comprising at least pickup and deposit positions for a workpiece in a plurality of stations of the multiple station press, providing machine properties of the plurality of stations and of at least one transfer device for transporting the workpiece from a first of the plurality of stations to a second of the plurality of stations, providing information on a candidate workpiece transport trajectory, simulating the plurality of stations and the at least one transfer device based on the provided information for determining whether the candidate workpiece transport trajectory conforms with the provided machine parameters, and displaying the result of the determination.