Robot Workpiece Clamping Layout for Torque Transfer Without Arm Stress
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot-based machining systems face challenges in efficiently and automatically clamping workpieces, often requiring manual operation and lacking the ability to distribute torque effectively, which can lead to stress on the robot arm during clamping processes.
Innovation Solution
A device arrangement where a drive unit and a gripper are orthogonally positioned on the robot arm, with pins or bores allowing for a positive connection between the drive unit and the clamping device, enabling the robot to both position and clamp workpieces automatically, relieving stress on the arm and allowing for torque transmission without rotating the drive unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the robot arm directly operates the clamping device without a positive connection mechanism, then the robot can position and clamp workpieces, but the robot arm experiences excessive mechanical stress and torque during clamping operations
Solution Approach 1:
A drive unit with pins serves as an intermediary between the robot arm and the clamping device. The pins engage with corresponding bores in the clamping device, creating a positive connection that allows torque transmission while protecting the robot arm from excessive mechanical stress during clamping operations.
2Force
If the drive unit is rigidly connected to the clamping device, then torque can be transmitted effectively, but the drive unit cannot be easily detached or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the drive unit and clamping device is made dynamic rather than permanently rigid. The pins can be inserted into and removed from the bores, allowing the system to switch between a rigid connected state for torque transmission and a detached state for repositioning or maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot arm holds the drive unit during clamping operations, then the clamping function can be integrated, but the robot arm's positioning accuracy deteriorates due to the additional load and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the robot arm for positioning, the drive unit for torque application, and the clamping device for workpiece fixation. The drive unit acts as a separate module that can be positively connected to the clamping device, allowing the robot arm to maintain positioning accuracy while the drive unit handles the clamping forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is proposed for machining a workpiece using a robot which holds and moves the workpiece, in which the robot has a drive unit which is suitable for fixing the workpiece in a clamping device. According to the method the workpiece is placed in a clamping device by a robot and then machined after the workpiece has been fixed in the clamping device by means of the robot.