Rotating Table Workpiece Supply Device with Density-Based Replenishment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supply devices face inefficiencies in supplying workpieces to robots due to varying workpiece orientations and densities, leading to difficulties in gripping and retrieval, resulting in poor take-out efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A supply device with a rotating table, detection system, and replenishment mechanism that divides the table surface into regions to detect workpiece density and strategically replenish workpieces in areas with low density, ensuring consistent and efficient supply to the robot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If workpieces are replenished to a predetermined position on the rotating table, then the replenishment operation is simple, but workpiece number density becomes uneven causing gripping difficulties and robot stoppages
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the determination region into multiple divided regions and selectively replenishes workpieces only to regions with low workpiece number density. This local quality approach ensures uniform workpiece distribution across the table surface, preventing both overcrowding and underutilization, thereby maintaining optimal gripping conditions and robot productivity throughout the entire work area.
2Quantity of substance
If workpieces are stored in containers in bulk state, then storage capacity is maximized, but workpiece orientation varies making take-out difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The supply device pre-arranges workpieces in individual cells of the container before they are transferred to the rotating table. Each cell holds a single workpiece in a predetermined orientation, so that when workpieces are supplied to the table, they are already properly oriented and spaced. This preliminary organization eliminates the need for the robot to search through or reorient bulk-stored workpieces, significantly improving take-out ease while maintaining storage capacity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the robot's ability to grip and retrieve workpieces by maintaining optimal workpiece density, preventing both overcrowding and underutilization, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the workpiece supply process.
Implementation Method 1
a detection device configured to detect the workpiece placed on the placement member
Implementation Method 2
a drive motor configured to rotate the placement member. The workpiece circulates in accordance with the rotation of the table
Data Source
AI summary
A supply device includes a replenishment device configured to replenish bolts to a surface of a table, and a supply control device configured to control the replenishment device. A determination region for determining the number of bolts is predetermined in a region where the table is disposed. When the number of bolts detected in the determination region is less than a determination value, the supply control device selects a divided region having the lowest bolt number density from among a plurality of divided regions. The supply control device controls the replenishing device so as to replenish bolts to a region of the table corresponding to the selected divided region.