Self-Centering Modular Handling Device for Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling devices for machine tools are typically permanently installed, taking up space and not universally or efficiently usable across multiple machines, lacking mobility and ease of setup.
Innovation Solution
A handling device with a base body and storage body that utilize self-centering positioning elements, allowing for easy setup and repositioning without recalibration, and a mobile robot with six controllable axes for efficient workpiece or tool handling, connected to the machine tool via wireless or plug-in connections for unified control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If handling devices are permanently installed on machine tools, then they provide stable and reliable workpiece handling, but they take up space in the workshop and cannot be used universally on multiple machine tools
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device is divided into separate modular components: a base body with robot and a storage body that can be independently positioned and attached to different machine tools. This segmentation enables the device to be relocated and adapted to multiple machine tools without permanent installation, reducing workshop space requirements while maintaining functional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device incorporates movable and adjustable elements, including the storage body that can be positioned at different locations and the robot arm with multiple degrees of freedom. This dynamic design allows the device to adapt to different machine tool configurations and be relocated as needed, providing universal usability without permanent fixation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If handling devices are permanently installed, then they ensure stable reference positioning, but they cannot be easily moved or repositioned on different machine tools
Solution Approach 1:
The base body and storage body are equipped with pre-configured positioning elements (positioning elements on the base body and centering elements on the storage body) that enable quick and accurate alignment when attached to machine tools. This preliminary preparation of positioning mechanisms allows the device to be rapidly repositioned on different machine tools while maintaining reference positioning accuracy without requiring time-consuming recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system incorporates self-centering mechanisms where the positioning elements on the base body automatically align with corresponding centering elements on the storage body and machine tool interfaces. This self-service positioning capability ensures that the handling device maintains accurate reference positioning when moved to different machine tools without requiring external calibration or adjustment.
3Productivity
If manual loading of workpieces on the handling device is performed, then flexibility in workpiece placement is achieved, but set-up times increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage body is designed with multiple storage locations arranged in a structured configuration, allowing workpieces to be organized and accessed efficiently. This spatial organization enables automated or semi-automated loading processes that reduce manual intervention while maintaining flexibility in workpiece placement, thereby improving setup efficiency without sacrificing operational ease.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a handling device 1 for use on a machine tool, comprising: a base body 2 which can be placed on a floor surface, a storage body 3 which can be placed on the top of the base body 2 for storing a plurality of workpieces or tools, and a handling robot 5 arranged on the base body 2 with a gripper device 6 for picking up a workpiece or tool from the storage body 3 and for inserting the workpiece or tool picked up from the storage body 3 by the gripper device 6 into a corresponding workpiece or tool holder of the machine tool.A plurality of first support elements 18 are arranged on the underside of the storage body 3 and a plurality of first centering elements 19 are arranged on the top side of the base body 2, wherein the first support elements 18 interact in pairs with the first centering elements 19 in a self-centering manner when the storage body 3 is placed on the top side of the base body 2, such that the storage body 3 assumes a predetermined reference position relative to the base body 2.