Rotary Frame Robot System for Continuous Workpiece Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic workpiece processing systems face increased machining times and high design and operational costs due to the need for complex acceleration of robot movements and workpiece positioning, which is exacerbated by the requirement for safety locks to prevent personnel interference.
Innovation Solution
A method and device featuring a rotary frame with robots and workpiece positioners that rotate together, allowing continuous robotic work without relative movement disruptions, even when the frame tilts, and integrating a unified safety area for workpiece changing and teaching, reducing downtime and operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robots and workpiece positioners are accelerated to reduce workpiece processing time, then productivity increases, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the robots and workpiece positioners onto a common movable support structure (rotary frame). This allows both components to move together as a unit, eliminating the need for complex independent acceleration systems while maintaining high productivity through coordinated motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the entire robot-positioner assembly to dynamically adjust its position. This dynamic configuration enables the system to maintain optimal working relationships without requiring high-speed individual component acceleration.
2Reliability
If safety gates are used to separate robots from personnel, then safety is improved, but workpiece processing time increases due to robot shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary frame divides the safety zone into multiple accessible segments. Personnel can access specific workpiece positioners through openings in the safety gate without requiring the entire robot system to shut down, allowing continuous processing while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows personnel to perform workpiece changes in advance during periods when robots are not actively processing. The rotary frame positioning enables pre-positioning of workpieces before robot operations begin, reducing idle time while maintaining safety protocols.
3Stability of the object's composition
If robots are fixed to the floor while workpiece positioners are on a rotary frame, then robot stability is maintained, but relative movement disruptions occur during frame rotation
Solution Approach 1:
Both robots and workpiece positioners are merged onto the same movable rotary frame structure. This ensures they move together as a unified system, maintaining constant relative positions and eliminating disruptions that would occur if one component remained fixed while the other moved.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for machining workpieces with a device (1) which comprises a rotating frame (4), at least two robots (3) which are arranged on the rotating frame (4), and at least one first and one second workpiece positioning device (2) which are arranged on the rotating frame (4). Said method comprises the following steps: at least one first workpiece is inserted into a first workpiece positioning device (2); the first workpiece is machined by the robot(s) and by simultaneously rotating the rotating frame (4).