Rotary Workpiece Transfer with Intersecting Feed Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling devices for workpieces lack efficient mechanisms to change the orientation of workpieces from horizontal to vertical during transfer, limiting their adaptability and precision in production processes.
Innovation Solution
A handling device featuring a rotatable workpiece-conveying apparatus with intersecting linearly displaceable feed elements, where each element has interchangeable end pieces functioning as grippers or actuators, enabling the transfer of workpieces from a horizontal to a vertical orientation, utilizing a rotary indexing table with precise guidance and actuation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional handling device with horizontal platform is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot change workpiece orientation from horizontal to vertical
Solution Approach 1:
The feed elements are made displaceable along linear guides that are radially arranged relative to the rotary table's axis of rotation. This dynamic arrangement allows the feed elements to move between different angular positions, enabling the system to adapt workpiece orientations from horizontal to vertical while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a radial dimension for the linear guides, arranged at different angles relative to the rotary table's axis of rotation. By displacing feed elements along these radially arranged guides, the system achieves multi-orientation capability (horizontal to vertical) without requiring complex multi-axis mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feed elements are used to handle various orientations, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each feed element is designed with universal functionality to handle workpieces in multiple orientations. The feed elements can be displaced along different angularly arranged linear guides, allowing a single feed element design to serve multiple orientation requirements, thereby reducing the need for specialized components for each orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling function is segmented into multiple independent feed elements, each capable of being displaced along its own linear guide. This segmentation allows each element to be controlled independently by stationary linear actuators, simplifying the control system while achieving complex multi-orientation handling capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If stationary linear actuators are used for each feed element, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear guides are pre-positioned at specific angles relative to the rotary table's axis of rotation, establishing precise geometric relationships before operation. This preliminary arrangement of guides ensures that when feed elements are displaced, they achieve accurate positioning for different workpiece orientations without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear guides act as intermediaries between the stationary linear actuators and the feed elements. The guides translate the linear motion from simple actuators into precise angular positioning of feed elements, achieving high positioning accuracy while keeping the actuator system relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A handling device for transferring workpieces includes a workpiece carrier arranged to receive workpieces and a rotatable workpiece-conveying apparatus arranged to receive the workpieces from the workpiece carrier in a first angular position and to transfer the workpieces to a storage station in a second angular position. The workpiece-conveying apparatus includes an axis of rotation, a first linearly displaceable feed element and a second linearly displaceable feed element, intersecting the first feed element at the axis of rotation and simultaneously actuatable with the first feed element. The apparatus also includes first and second non-rotatable linear actuators. The first and second feed elements have end pieces, each arranged for direct interaction with the workpiece and a respective linear actuator. The feed elements may intersect at an angle of 90°. The first feed element may have a straight shape and the second feed element may have an offset shape.