Robot Arm Machining Unit for Composite Chamfering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machining apparatuses face difficulties in precisely removing burrs and chamfering composite materials like FRP and CFRP, especially when the workpiece dimensions are challenging to fix during molding, due to variations in width and thickness.
Innovation Solution
A machining apparatus that holds the workpiece between a profiling member and a machining tool, with an actuator adjusting the distance between them, allowing for precise secondary processing even with deformations, using a rotatable tool with adjustable distance and floating mechanisms to maintain dimension accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional machining apparatus with a fixed tool-workpiece distance is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate workpieces with varying width dimensions or deformations, resulting in poor manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic distance adjustment mechanism between the machining tool and profiling member using an actuator. This allows the system to adapt to varying workpiece width dimensions and deformations in real-time, maintaining manufacturing precision without requiring a completely complex redesign of the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of the distance between the machining tool and profiling member based on detected workpiece dimensions. By dynamically adjusting this parameter, the apparatus maintains optimal machining conditions for workpieces with varying width dimensions while keeping the base structure relatively simple.
2Manufacturing precision
If the workpiece is held rigidly between the machining tool and profiling member, then the structure is stable, but it cannot follow workpiece deformations or undulations, resulting in poor manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces floating mechanisms that allow the machining tool and profiling member to move dynamically relative to each other and the workpiece. This enables the system to follow workpiece deformations and undulations while maintaining stable holding, achieving high manufacturing precision without overly complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating mechanisms act as flexible connection elements between the rigid machining tool/profiling member and the workpiece. These mechanisms provide the necessary compliance to accommodate workpiece deformations while maintaining stable contact and positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the machining tool and profiling member is fixed, then the apparatus is simple to operate, but it cannot process workpieces with varying width dimensions in the longitudinal direction, resulting in poor adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the actuator adjusts the distance between the machining tool and profiling member based on real-time detection of workpiece width dimensions. This feedback mechanism enables the apparatus to adapt to varying width dimensions automatically, achieving high versatility without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of the tool-workpiece distance based on workpiece dimensions, reducing the need for manual intervention and setup. The actuator automatically compensates for width variations, making the apparatus versatile for different workpiece dimensions while keeping the control system relatively simple.
4Productivity
If conventional machining methods are used for long workpieces with burrs, then the existing equipment can be used, but it cannot simultaneously remove burrs and chamfer the side edge, resulting in poor productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the burr removal function and chamfering function into a single integrated machining unit. By merging these two operations into one tool assembly that moves simultaneously, the system achieves high productivity for long workpieces without requiring multiple separate machining operations or complex multi-tool setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The machining unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both burr removal and chamfering operations on the same workpiece edge. This universal tool design eliminates the need for separate specialized tools, improving productivity while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A machining apparatus capable of performing chamfering with high precision is provided. A machining unit 13 is provided at a distal end portion 12a of an arm 12 of an articulated robot 11, and the machining unit 13 includes a profiling roller 57, which serves as a roller that abuts against a part to be profiled Wd of a workpiece W, and a rotatable tool 41 having an axis line 41a having a distance between the rotatable tool 41 and the profiling roller 57 in conformity with a width of the workpiece W (width of a band-like portion Wc) and extending in parallel with an axis line 57a corresponding to a support axis of the profiling roller 57, and the rotatable tool 41 includes cutting blades 41b or blade portions 73 and 73 as chamfering blades.