Robot-Assisted Workpiece Securing for Faster CNC Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machining systems with hydraulic or pneumatic securing devices for workpieces lack precision in holding or releasing, leading to increased operational time due to broad movement of claw parts and waiting times for robot operations.
Innovation Solution
A machining system with a securing device featuring holding members and drive motors, controlled by a robot and machine tool control device, which includes detectors for position and posture detection, allowing precise control of holding and releasing workpieces, and adjustment of holding member positions to minimize movement and optimize machining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If hydraulic or pneumatic securing devices are used for holding and releasing workpieces, then the securing device can operate automatically, but the position control of the piston becomes imprecise causing broad movement of the claw part and increased working hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic or pneumatic piston-driven securing device with a robot arm that directly grasps and positions the workpiece. This substitution eliminates the imprecise piston movement and broad claw part movement, enabling precise position control and reducing working hours while maintaining automatic operation.
2Extent of automation
If hydraulic or pneumatic securing devices are used for holding and releasing workpieces, then the securing device can operate automatically, but the robot must wait for the claw part to complete its broad movement, increasing waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic or pneumatic piston-driven securing device with a robot arm that directly grasps and positions the workpiece. This substitution eliminates the waiting time caused by broad claw part movement, as the robot can precisely position and release the workpiece without waiting for slow hydraulic or pneumatic actuation.
3Reliability
If the claw part is driven to open to the greatest extent possible for workpiece attachment, then the workpiece can be securely held, but the robot motion must stop and waiting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the claw part mechanism with a robot hand that can grasp and hold the workpiece securely while maintaining continuous robot motion. The robot hand can adapt its grasp force and position dynamically, eliminating the need to stop robot motion for workpiece attachment and reducing waiting time while maintaining reliable holding.
4Device complexity
If conventional securing devices with pistons are used, then the structure is simple, but fine tuning of piston position is not possible leading to broad movement and increased working hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple but imprecise piston-based securing device with a robot arm that provides fine position control through its multiple degrees of freedom and precision actuators. Although the robot arm structure is more complex than a simple piston, it enables precise workpiece positioning and reduces working hours by eliminating broad movements and waiting times.
Data Source
AI summary
A machining system is provided with a machine tool including a securing device for securing a workpiece, a robot for attaching the workpiece to the securing device, a hand attached to a tip end of an arm of the robot, and a control device for controlling the machine tool, the robot, and the hand. The securing device includes holding members for holding a workpiece, and holding member drive motors for moving the holding members.