Modular Rotary Table Assembly for Interchangeable Robot Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional stationary robotic devices are limited by their physical reach and workspace, leading to restricted access to workpieces and increased costs due to the need for multiple robot stations, which hinders productivity and space utilization in manufacturing applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular rotary table assembly with a robotic device, featuring a rotatable table top surface driven by a gearbox, allows for interchangeable table top segments of varying diameters and precise positioning, enabling extended reach and improved access while conserving space and reducing the need for multiple robot stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional stationary robotic devices are used, then the robotic device can perform welding operations, but the physical reach and workspace are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device is mounted on a rotatable table that can rotate to different positions, transforming the stationary robotic device into a dynamic system. This allows the robotic device to access workpieces at different locations around the table, effectively extending its physical reach and improving access to workpieces without requiring multiple fixed robot stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the robotic device's workspace. By mounting the robotic device on a table that can rotate around a central axis, the system transitions from a two-dimensional workspace (limited by robot arm reach) to a three-dimensional workspace that encompasses the entire table area, allowing access to workpieces at various radial distances and angular positions.
2Length of moving object
If multiple robot stations are used to extend workspace, then the physical reach is improved, but the investment costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single robotic device mounted on a rotatable table can perform welding operations at multiple positions around the table, making the robotic device universal for different workpiece locations. This multi-functional capability replaces the need for multiple specialized robot stations, each configured for specific positions, thereby reducing device complexity and investment costs while maintaining extended workspace coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the functions of multiple robot stations into a single robotic device by adding rotational capability. Instead of having separate robots for different workspace zones, the system merges these functions into one robotic device that can be positioned anywhere around the table through rotation, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing costs.
3Length of moving object
If multiple robot stations are used to extend workspace, then the physical reach is improved, but the workstation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable table creates a dynamic workspace that maximizes the utilization of available floor space. Instead of requiring multiple fixed robot stations distributed across a large area, the single robotic device on the rotating table can service the entire table perimeter, effectively packing more workspace into a smaller footprint and improving space utilization.
4Productivity
If traditional stationary robotic devices are used, then the setup is simple, but the productivity and space utilization are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational capability of the table enables the robotic device to efficiently service multiple workpiece positions without requiring physical repositioning of the robot itself. This dynamic positioning capability increases productivity by allowing continuous operation across the entire table area, while the modular design keeps the system configuration manageable through standardized components and control integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary table assembly for rotatably supporting a workpiece can include a table having a table top surface positioned in a first plane, where the table has an axis of rotation. The rotary table assembly can also include a gearbox fixedly connected to the table for precisely rotating the table, and a support frame for supporting the table. The support frame has a support surface spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the table at a first precise, predetermined distance. The support surface is positioned in a second plane at least substantially parallel to the first plane and spaced apart from the first plane at a second precise, predetermined distance. A robotic device can be interchangeably couplable with the rotary table assembly and another rotary table assembly, where the robotic device can perform operations based upon the first precise, predetermined distance and the second, precise predetermined distance.