Rail-Free Module Transport for Flexible Machine Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current driverless transport systems (AGVs) are inflexible due to reliance on complex rail systems, which are designed for specific cases and cannot adapt to changes in production processes, and often require long distances to collect and deliver multiple containers or technical devices.
Innovation Solution
A transport device that can position itself freely in front of machine tools without a rail system, equipped with a central control device for coordination, allowing it to handle multiple tasks and modular units such as handling devices, tool changers, and chip collectors, and communicate wirelessly for remote control and energy transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rail system is used to guide AGVs to stations, then the transport system can be implemented, but the system becomes very complex in terms of production, construction and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rail system from the AGV guidance mechanism, allowing AGVs to navigate autonomously using onboard navigation systems. This extraction eliminates the complex infrastructure of rails, supports, and alignment mechanisms while retaining the core function of guided transport through wireless communication and centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical rail-based guidance system is replaced with an electronic/control-based system. AGVs use onboard sensors, wireless communication, and centralized control to determine their positions and navigate to destinations, substituting physical mechanical guidance with electronic navigation and control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a rail system is used for AGV guidance, then transport can be achieved, but the system cannot adapt to changes in positions or production processes at short notice
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed rail infrastructure to a dynamic, reconfigurable environment. AGVs can change their routes, destinations, and operational parameters in real-time through wireless communication with the centralized control system, allowing the transport network to adapt flexibly to changing production requirements without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The AGVs are designed as multi-functional units that can serve different stations and perform various transport tasks. The centralized control system manages multiple AGVs and stations universally, allowing any AGV to service any station as needed, rather than being dedicated to specific fixed routes or functions.
3Device complexity
If AGVs are equipped with only a single interface for receiving goods, then the vehicle design is simple, but the AGVs have to travel long distances to collect a large number of containers
Solution Approach 1:
AGVs are equipped with multiple receiving interfaces and can handle different types of containers or modules simultaneously. This multi-functional capability allows a single AGV to collect multiple different containers on one trip rather than making separate trips for each container type, reducing total travel distance and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple receiving interfaces and container handling capabilities into a single AGV unit. By merging these functions, the AGV can perform multiple pickup operations in sequence during a single journey, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate trips into one efficient route.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a transport device (100) for receiving one or more module units having machine tool accessory devices and for transporting the one or more received module units to a machine tool (1000) set up on a base surface for use of the machine tool accessory devices of the one or more received module units on the machine tool (1000), wherein the transport device (100) is freely movable on the base surface for positioning the one or more received module units relative to the machine tool (1000), in particular within a region in front and/or next to the machine tool (1000) and/or in front and/or next to a working space of the machine tool (1000).