Multi-Spindle Robot Fixation for Irregular Wood Workpieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wood processing systems with multi-articulated robots have complex structures and large exclusive spaces, making it difficult to fix processing objects of various shapes, such as flat plates, curved members, and increasing the system's cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device for multi-axis robots comprising a plurality of fixing units with a support member and a pressing device, where the support member includes a first frame and a second frame positioned vertically, allowing the pressing device to press the processing object against the first frame, enabling the fixation of various shapes by inserting them between the frames, and utilizing pneumatic or hydraulic pressure for the pressing device to simplify the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-articulated robot with movable saddles and tilt tables is used to process wood, then the robot can perform multiple processing operations, but the system structure becomes complicated and the exclusive space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the processing function into two independent parts: a fixed multi-articulated robot and separate movable saddles. Each saddle is an independent unit that can be moved to different positions along the guide rail, eliminating the need for complex integrated structures while maintaining processing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A guide rail serves as an intermediary structure that enables the saddles to move between different processing positions. This simple rail-saddle mechanism replaces complex integrated robot-saddle systems, reducing overall system complexity while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-articulated robot with movable saddles and tilt tables is used to process wood, then the robot can perform multiple processing operations, but the exclusive space in the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidexclusive space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the robot from the saddles and arranging saddles linearly along a guide rail, the system minimizes the footprint area. The linear arrangement allows saddles to share the same spatial zone at different positions, reducing the exclusive space required compared to having multiple fixed processing stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rail extends the working space along one dimension (length), allowing multiple saddles to be arranged in a line rather than requiring two-dimensional or three-dimensional separation. This dimensional strategy reduces the area occupied by the system while maintaining the ability to process multiple workpieces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a vise and tilt table are used to attach processing objects, then the objects can be secured, but the shape of processable objects is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidobject shape flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle is designed as a universal support structure that can accommodate various workpiece shapes through its flat upper surface and adjustable vise. The vise can clamp different geometries, and the flat surface provides stable support for diverse object forms, making the fixation system adaptable to plates, curved members, and other shapes without requiring specialized fixtures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The fixing device allows for the secure fixation of variously shaped processing objects with a simple structure, reducing the exclusive space required and enabling efficient processing by multi-axis robots without compromising processing accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing pneumatic or hydraulic pressure for the pressing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

utilizing pneumatic or hydraulic pressure for the pressing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3760399B1Multiple spindle robot fixation device, processing system
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 MAEDA CORP
  • EP3760399B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3760399B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3760399B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fixing device for a multi-axis robot for fixing wood as a processing object during processing by the multi-axis robot, the device including a plurality of fixing units, each of the plurality of fixing units including a support member including a first frame having a longitudinal direction along a vertical direction, a second frame having a longitudinal direction along the vertical direction and positioned away from the first frame in a horizontal direction, and an installation member positioned between the first frame and the second frame in a top view and configured to be able to mount the processing object, and at least one pressing device attached to the second frame, the at least one pressing device being capable of pressing the processing object inserted between the first frame and the second frame against the first frame.