Rotary Object Carrier Coupling for Variable Workstation Dwell Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary indexing tables in production plants have inefficiencies due to rigid object carrier arrangements, leading to underutilization of workstations with varying process times, increased complexity, and higher failure probabilities, as they require separate stations for each process time and struggle with flexible configuration and quick recovery from malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a rotatable object carrier and movable object carrier elements, where coupling elements allow for flexible positioning and movement between workstations, enabling object carrier elements with long process times to remain stationary while others are transported, using a drive unit and coupling elements that can switch between engaged and disengaged positions to optimize workstation utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid arrangement of object carrier elements is used on the rotary indexing table, then the structure is simple and stable, but the workstation utilization is low and the system cannot adapt to varying process times
Solution Approach 1:
The object carrier elements are made movable relative to the rotary indexing table through guide tracks and coupling elements. This dynamic arrangement allows elements to be positioned at different locations along the circular path, enabling adaptation to varying process times at different workstations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The object carrier elements are separated into independent, movable units that can be individually positioned along the circular path. Each element can be independently coupled to the rotary indexing table or to stationary assembly elements, allowing flexible configuration to match different process requirements without requiring a complete redesign of the system.
2Productivity
If separate workstations are provided for each object to handle varying process times, then each object can be processed independently, but the number of workstations increases leading to high complexity and failure probability
Solution Approach 1:
The movable object carrier elements can serve multiple functions by being positioned at different locations along the circular path. The same physical element can be held stationary at different workstations for different durations, allowing the system to handle varying process times without requiring separate dedicated workstations for each object type or process duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of object carrier elements dynamically. By adjusting where elements are coupled to stationary assembly elements along the circular path, the system adapts to different process time requirements without adding physical workstations, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If object carrier elements are rigidly fixed on the rotary indexing table, then the position control is simple, but the system lacks flexibility in configuration and maintenance accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
Coupling elements act as intermediaries between the object carrier elements and the rotary indexing table. These coupling elements enable the object carrier elements to be selectively coupled or decoupled from the rotating table, providing configuration flexibility while keeping the control system relatively simple through standardized coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tracks and coupling elements are designed to allow object carrier elements to be easily positioned and coupled without complex control mechanisms. The system enables self-positioning through the guide track geometry and self-coupling through the coupling element design, reducing the complexity of the control system while maintaining high configuration flexibility.
4Productivity
If the rotary indexing table rotates continuously to transport all objects, then the transport is efficient, but objects with long process times cannot remain stationary at workstations
Solution Approach 1:
The object carrier elements can dynamically switch between being carried by the rotating table and being held stationary by the stationary assembly. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain efficient continuous transport for objects with short process times while allowing objects with long process times to remain stationary at appropriate workstations without disrupting the overall transport flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport function is segmented between the rotary indexing table and the stationary assembly. The rotary table handles the continuous transport and positioning, while the stationary assembly provides holding positions for objects that require longer processing times. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transport device for transporting objects from work station to work station of a production system. The invention also relates to a production system for manufacturing products, in particular containers filled with a medical product. The transport device according to the invention is provided with a stationary assembly (2), an object carrier (3) that can rotate about an axis of rotation (4) in consecutive work cycles, a plurality of object carrier elements (6) which are distributed around the perimeter, which can be moved relative to the object carrier on a circular path (8), and to which coupling elements (14) are assigned, which can each adopt only a first switch position or a second switch position. In the first switch position, the coupling element (14) is engaged with the stationary assembly (2) and not engaged with the rotational object carrier (3), such that the object carrier element associated with the coupling element remains at a work station, while in the second switch position, the coupling element (14) is not engaged with the stationary assembly (2) and is engaged with the rotational object carrier (3), such that the object carrier element associated with the coupling element is moved from work station to work station.