Robot Tool Holder Coupling for Switchgear Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated systems for processing control cabinet housings and flat parts are complex and costly, making them impractical for smaller batch sizes, leading to high labor costs and error susceptibility due to the need for multiple tools and manual processing.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder with a coupling for easy attachment and detachment from a robot, allowing the use of commercially available tool devices like routers, drills, and riveters, which can be gripped and maneuvered by a robot for efficient processing of control cabinet components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated processing systems are used for control cabinet components, then productivity and quality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal robot system that can perform multiple processing functions (drilling, countersinking, slotting, routing, etc.) using a single robotic manipulator with interchangeable tool holders. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized automated machines, reducing system complexity while maintaining high productivity through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses adjustable gripper jaws with variable spacing that can accommodate different tool holder sizes and geometries. The gripper geometry can be adapted to match different adapter piece configurations, allowing the same robot system to handle various tools without requiring multiple fixed-configuratio
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tools are used for different processing operations, then processing capability is improved, but device complexity and acquisition cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single robot system performs multiple processing functions (drilling, countersinking, slotting, routing, etc.) through interchangeable tool holders, eliminating the need for multiple specialized automated machines while maintaining comprehensive processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder system is divided into modular components: a standardized holder body with coupling features, and interchangeable adapter pieces that can be attached or removed based on the specific tool being used. This segmentation allows versatile tool functionality while keeping the base system simple and reusable.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual processing is used for smaller batch sizes, then cost is reduced, but labor costs and error susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system with automated tool changing capability can service itself by gripping and positioning different tool holders as needed, enabling automated processing for small batches without requiring complex manual intervention or specialized equipment for each operation type.
4Ease of manufacture
If commercially available tool devices are used, then cost is reduced, but ease of integration with robot system worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized tool holder acts as an intermediary between commercially available tools and the robot gripper. It provides a universal coupling interface that adapts various tool geometries to the robot's gripper system, enabling easy integration of off-the-shelf tools without custom modifications.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for machining a control cabinet housing or a control cabinet flat part, comprising a robot (100) and a tool module (1) held by the robot (100), which has a tool device (2) with a driven tool (3) for machining a material, wherein the tool device (2) is detachably attached to a tool holder (4), characterized in that the tool holder (4) has a coupling (5) on its outside for connecting the tool holder (4) to the robot (100) and for separating the tool holder (4) from the robot (100).