Rotary Ring Transfer System for Precision Workpiece Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotary index tables face limitations in accessing multiple surfaces of workpieces due to geometry constraints, leading to inefficiencies in machining operations, increased cycle time, and high costs associated with satellite tables and drive mechanisms, while also suffering from precision and tolerance issues.

Innovation Solution

An automated parts transfer platform with a modular, open-ring design that allows for improved access and precision positioning, utilizing a precision programmable servo drive motor and modular automation stations with self-contained electronics, enabling flexible reconfiguration and reduced machine footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional rotary index table with satellite tables is used to access multiple surfaces of workpieces, then more sides of the workpiece can be exposed for machining, but the tolerances between different machining operations decrease due to play between rotational axes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to multiple surfacesVSAvoidtolerances between machining operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the workpiece access problem into two independent segments: the rotary index table remains stationary for precise positioning, while the workpiece itself rotates on the pallet to expose different surfaces. This segmentation eliminates the cumulative tolerance errors that would result from rotating both the table and the workpiece independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of rotating the table to access different surfaces (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by keeping the table stationary and rotating the workpiece on the pallet. This inversion maintains a single fixed rotational axis for the table while allowing the workpiece to be reoriented, thereby preserving tolerance accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If satellite tables are used to rotate workpieces relative to the index table, then more sides of the workpiece can be accessed, but the cycle time increases reducing production rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to multiple surfacesVSAvoidproduction rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece is pre-oriented on the pallet during the indexing movement, so that when the pallet reaches the machining station, the workpiece is already in the correct orientation for machining. This preliminary action during transit eliminates the need for additional rotation time at each station, thereby maintaining high production rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous useful action by performing workpiece reorientation during the indexing transit time rather than adding separate rotation steps at each station. The indexing movement itself becomes the opportunity to prepare the workpiece for the next operation, ensuring no idle time is added to the cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If satellite tables with drive and positioning means are installed to position workpieces, then workpiece access is improved, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece positioning capabilityVSAvoidcost of satellite tables and drive mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece serves itself by being mounted on a rotatable pallet that can be oriented to present different surfaces to the stationary machining stations. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex satellite tables and their associated drive mechanisms, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining the ability to access multiple workpiece surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the rotation function from the complex satellite table system and isolates it to a simple, inexpensive rotatable pallet mounted on each station. This extraction removes the unnecessary complexity of satellite tables while preserving the essential functionality of workpiece reorientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Productivity

If workstations are positioned radially inward toward the center of the table, then the rotary index table can be used, but access and visibility during tooling setup and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining operation capabilityVSAvoidaccess and visibility during setup and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the spatial arrangement from a radial configuration (workstations at the periphery facing inward) to a tangential configuration (workstations along the outer edge facing the direction of rotation). This dimensional change in workstation orientation provides operators with unobstructed access and visibility from the outside of the machine, while the stationary table maintains its machining capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7946196B1Rotary ring transfer system

Publication Date: 2011.05.24 ADAPTEK SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Rotation and positioning of a rotary index table supported from a base is effected using a cam supported from a conveyor and cam follower lock, with the conveyor and cam follower lock being mounted on a carriage set for radial movement on the base inwardly and outwardly with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotary index table, and a plurality of cam followers depending from the rotary index table.