Workpiece Transfer Robot Side Access Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece transfer robot systems face inefficiencies due to the need for the robot arm to occupy the operator's access path, limiting operator convenience and space, and often require reorientation of the movable arm mechanism, which increases loading/unloading time and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece transfer robot system with a track member extending perpendicular to the side wall of the machine tool's cover, allowing the robot arm to access the workpiece support section through a side opening, eliminating the need for reorientation and enabling efficient operation without obstructing the operator's path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the robot arm uses the front side opening for workpiece transfer, then the robot can access the workpiece support section, but the operator cannot approach the front side opening during robot operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the opening function by providing separate openings: a first opening (front side) for operator access and a second opening (side wall) for robot workpiece transfer. This segmentation allows both operator and robot to access the workpiece support section simultaneously without interference, resolving the contradiction between operator accessibility and workpiece transfer efficiency.
2Productivity
If the robot arm is positioned at the front side opening during operation, then workpiece transfer can be performed, but the operator's working space is narrowed or blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access paths by providing distinct openings: the front side opening maintains full operator working space while the side wall opening accommodates robot arm movement. This spatial segmentation eliminates interference between robot operation and operator working space, allowing both to function simultaneously without compromise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the movable arm mechanism needs to reorient to transfer workpiece, then the robot can adapt to different positions, but the loading/unloading time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the movable arm mechanism with its traveling axis extending perpendicular to the side wall, and places the second opening specifically to allow the arm to access the workpiece support section directly without reorientation. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming reorientation movements during workpiece transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the robot arm approach from the front side and reorient to access the workpiece support section, the patent inverts the approach by having the arm access through the side wall opening perpendicular to the front side. This inverted access path allows direct engagement with the workpiece support section, eliminating reorientation time while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece transfer robot system including a machine tool provided with a workpiece support section and a robot capable of transferring a workpiece relative to the workpiece support section of the machine tool. The machine tool includes a cover surrounding at least the workpiece support section. The cover includes a first side wall provided with a first opening usable for a workpiece transferring task of the robot. The robot includes a track member defining a traveling axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the first side wall of the cover of the machine tool; a slider attached to the track member and capable of traveling along the traveling axis; a first arm attached to the slider and capable of swinging about a first swing axis; a second arm attached to the first arm and capable of swinging about a second swing axis parallel to the first swing axis; and a workpiece hold section provided on the second arm and capable of accessing the workpiece support section through the first opening of the cover of the machine tool.