Rotating Clamp Transfer Unit for Precise Conductive Element Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for transferring conductive elements in stator manufacturing, such as those used in electric motors, are hindered by high costs and bulkiness of anthropomorphic robots, leading to lengthy cycle times and increased production costs, while also occupying significant space.
Innovation Solution
A transfer unit equipped with a first locking clamp and a rotating arm, combined with a guiding device, allows for precise and efficient transfer of conductive elements by providing two degrees of freedom through rotation and translation, reducing the need for complex robots and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If anthropomorphic robots are used to transfer conductive elements, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm is segmented into a rotating arm providing first-degree freedom and a linear movement device providing second-degree freedom. This segmentation allows independent control of rotation and translation movements, achieving versatility while reducing overall system complexity compared to a fully anthropomorphic robot.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer unit is designed with a universal clamp that can grip various conductive element shapes (straight, undulating, folded, hairpin). The clamp's universal design allows it to handle different element types without requiring multiple specialized grippers, maintaining versatility while simplifying the device.
2Manufacturing precision
If anthropomorphic robots are used to transfer conductive elements, then precision is improved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer unit utilizes rotational movement around a vertical axis combined with linear translation along the rotation axis. This two-dimensional movement space (rotation + translation along axis) achieves precise positioning without requiring the large horizontal workspace of anthropomorphic robots, reducing space occupation while maintaining precision.
3Reliability
If anthropomorphic robots are used to transfer conductive elements, then reliability is improved, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is pre-positioned at the delivery station to grip the conductive element immediately when it becomes available. The rotating arm and linear movement device are pre-configured to execute the transfer motion in a single coordinated action, eliminating intermediate positioning steps and reducing cycle time while maintaining reliable transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer unit operates continuously with the rotating arm and linear movement device working in coordinated fashion throughout the transfer process. There are no idle periods or sequential stop-and-go movements, as the clamp maintains grip and the movement devices operate simultaneously, reducing cycle time while ensuring reliable element transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer unit for transferring conductive elements, which is configured to pick up a conductive element from a delivery station and to move it until at least one portion of interest thereof is inserted into a specific destination slot provided in a collection tool that is provided with a plurality of slots arranged according to a predefined distribution.The unit comprises at least:a first locking clamp, which is actuated by a movement apparatus and is configured to pick up and retain the conductive element;a rotating arm, configured to move the first clamp about a main rotation axis at least between a first position and a second position.The first locking clamp is mounted on a linear movement device which is configured to translate along a sliding direction, which lies on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.