Quick-Change Gripper Mount for Grinding Retooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency in retooling grinding systems to handle different types of workpieces in lean production settings leads to significant downtime, reducing manufacturing efficiency and increasing storage costs due to the need for quick changes in gripper apparatuses for loading and unloading workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A gripper apparatus with a mount, gas-supply or electrical coupler, pneumatic or electric grippers, and quick-connect fittings that allows easy installation and removal from a grinding system, enabling rapid switching between different gripper configurations to accommodate various workpieces, facilitated by pneumatic or electrical actuation and quick-connect attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the grinding system is retooled to grind different varieties of articles in small batches, then adaptability is improved, but downtime increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper apparatus is divided into modular components (gripper fingers, mounting interface, actuation system) that can be independently changed. This segmentation allows rapid reconfiguration by swapping only the necessary components rather than retooling the entire grinding system, thus reducing downtime while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper apparatus incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as variable finger positions, interchangeable gripper types, and adaptable mounting mechanisms. These dynamic features enable the system to quickly adapt to different workpiece geometries and gripping requirements without extensive retooling, resolving the contradiction between versatility and retooling time.
2Loss of time
If gripper apparatus is quickly changed during retooling, then downtime is reduced, but ease of operation is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting interface is designed with universal features including standardized mounting holes, integrated gas supply connections, and electrical interface compatibility. This universality allows the same mounting structure to accommodate different gripper apparatus types without modification, enabling quick changes while maintaining ease of operation through consistent interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting interface acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection between the gripper apparatus and the grinding system. It integrates multiple functions (mechanical mounting, gas supply, electrical connections) into a single standardized interface, making installation and removal straightforward while reducing overall changeover time.
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper apparatus for loading workpieces to a grinding system includes a mount, a gas-supply coupler, a gas manifold, pneumatic cylinders, and grippers. The gas-supply coupler is supported by the mount and has a first end that detachably mates with a corresponding coupler attached to an external gas-supply conduit. The gas manifold is supported by the mount and is coupled to a second end of the gas-supply coupler. The pneumatic cylinders are supported by the mount, with each pneumatic cylinder being arranged to receive a supply of gas via the gas manifold. The grippers are respectively attached to the pneumatic cylinders. Each gripper has an opened state and a closed state brought about by controlled actuation of a corresponding pneumatic cylinder. The mount includes openings, with each of the openings being structured to receive a corresponding shaft for attaching the mount to a gantry assembly of the grinding system.