Rail Transport Carriages for Flexible Forming Station Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forming systems require forming stations to have the same length measurements and distance in the transport direction, limiting flexibility and necessitating identical configurations, which restricts the ability to transport workpieces between stations of varying distances and hinders independent processing lines within a single system.
Innovation Solution
A forming system with a transport device featuring movable carriages and rails that can operate in opposite directions on the same rail, allowing for flexible transport of workpieces between forming stations of different lengths and distances, enabling independent processing lines and the joining of workpieces within the same system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If forming stations are configured with identical length measurements and distances in the transport direction, then the transport device can operate with standardized carriers, but the system loses flexibility in accommodating different station configurations and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic carriage positioning where carriers can be stopped at different positions along the rail and moved in opposite directions. This dynamic control allows the same transport device to accommodate forming stations of varying lengths and distances, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device is designed with universal carriers that can transport different workpieces between forming stations of varying configurations. The carriers serve multiple functions including transporting individual workpieces, coordinating opposite-direction movements, and adapting to different station layouts, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Productivity
If multiple carriages transport workpieces in opposite directions on the same rail, then the transport efficiency and flexibility increase, but the risk of collision between carriages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the positions of all carriages on the rail and provides feedback control. This allows the system to coordinate opposite-direction movements, prevent collisions, and optimize transport efficiency by dynamically adjusting carriage speeds and stopping positions based on real-time position data
Solution Approach 2:
The control system plans and coordinates carriage movements in advance, determining optimal stopping positions and timing for carriages moving in opposite directions. This preliminary coordination ensures that carriages will not collide while maximizing transport efficiency through pre-planned optimized paths
Data Source
AI summary
In a forming system in particular for metallic workpieces (31, 32) with several forming stations (21-23) a transport device (1) is provided with one or more rails (13) on which carriages (141, 142) can be moved. In a conventional mode of operation of the rails, it is provided that two carriages (141, 142) on the same rail (13) are moved by a varying distance relative to each other during the transport of a respective workpiece (31, 32) from one forming station (21-23) to another forming station (21-23), namely in particular are driven towards each other or away from each other with their distance relative to each other being increased or decreased. New production sequences can thereby be provided.