Workpiece Magazine With Sloping Table And Movable Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece magazines are inefficient in utilizing storage space, prone to errors during workpiece placement, and not adaptable to handling workpieces of varying dimensions or series, leading to suboptimal storage and handling capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A magazine with a sloping table and adjustable pegs that allow for flexible positioning and stacking of workpieces, enabling efficient use of space and reducing the risk of errors during placement, while accommodating workpieces of different dimensions and allowing for multi-layer stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed grid plate is used for workpiece storage, then the coordinates of nodes are known by the robot control, but the available storage area is not fully utilized for workpieces with smaller diameter and the magazine takes up relatively large storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed grid plate with movable supports that can be repositioned along guide rails. This dynamic configuration allows the supports to adapt to different workpiece diameters, maximizing storage space utilization while maintaining coordinate tracking capabilities through sensors and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of support positioning from fixed to variable. By allowing supports to move along guide rails and adjust their positions dynamically, the system optimizes storage density for different workpiece sizes while preserving the ability to provide known coordinates to the robot control system.
2Device complexity
If the number of nodes on the grid plate is fixed, then the structure is simple, but smaller or larger series of workpieces cannot be dealt with very efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements movable supports that can be repositioned along guide rails, transforming the fixed grid structure into a dynamic system. This allows the magazine to efficiently handle varying series of workpieces by adjusting support positions without requiring multiple different grid plates, maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal magazine system where a single structure with movable supports can handle multiple workpiece series and dimensions. The supports can be repositioned to accommodate different workpiece sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized grid plates and improving versatility while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
3Ease of operation
If workpieces are placed manually on the grid plate, then positioning can be done, but it generally takes a lot of time to put the workpieces in the right position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-aligning mechanism where workpieces automatically position themselves against the movable supports due to gravity and the sloping table surface. This eliminates the need for manual positioning operations, significantly reducing the time required to place workpieces in the correct positions while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a sloping table surface that causes workpieces to automatically slide and align against the supports before being processed. This preliminary self-positioning action occurs automatically, eliminating the time-consuming manual positioning step while ensuring workpieces are correctly positioned for subsequent operations.
4Ease of operation
If workpieces are loose on the grid plate, then they can be accessed easily, but there is a risk that these workpieces can be accidentally moved with respect to the position known by the robot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses movable supports that can dynamically adjust to hold workpieces securely at known positions. The supports provide containment to prevent accidental movement while remaining part of a controlled system that maintains position accuracy, allowing easy access without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces movable supports as intermediary elements between the workpieces and the robot system. These supports provide the necessary containment to prevent workpiece displacement while maintaining the known position relationship, serving as a mediator that ensures both accessibility and position accuracy.
5Measurement precision
If pegs are used to position or clasp workpieces on the grid, then positioning can be achieved, but the workpieces may be damaged by the clasping force of the pegs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed pegs with movable supports that can adjust their position and apply minimal restraining force. The supports move with the workpieces during positioning and then provide gentle containment, achieving accurate positioning without the damaging clasping force associated with rigid pegs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the interaction parameter from rigid peg contact to movable support contact. The supports can adjust their position and apply adaptive, minimal force to hold workpieces, eliminating the high clasping forces that cause damage while maintaining positioning precision through controlled movement and positioning mechanisms.
6Measurement precision
If pegs are used to position workpieces, then positioning can be achieved, but additional mechanics and extra setup time are required to set up the pegs centrically around the workpiece diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses movable supports that can be quickly repositioned along guide rails to accommodate different workpiece diameters. This eliminates the time-consuming process of setting up pegs centrically around each workpiece, as the supports can be rapidly adjusted to the correct positions using motorized or manual repositioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal positioning system with movable supports that can handle multiple workpiece diameters and configurations. The supports serve multiple functions including positioning, containing, and supporting various workpiece types, eliminating the need for specialized peg setups for each workpiece diameter and significantly reducing setup time.
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 allows for easy and accurate placement of workpieces, maximizes storage space utilization, and enables flexible handling of small series with varying dimensions, reducing the risk of damage and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
due to the sloping position of the table in the direction of the supports, the operator will almost instinctively place the workpieces in the direction of the supports and these supports are of such a nature that the workpieces are automatically aligned to the positions known by the robot by this movement
Data Source
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AI summary
A magazine for the temporary storage of workpieces (13), characterised in that this magazine (1) is primarily formed by, on the one part, a table (2) for stacking the workpieces (13) before being taken away or positioned along the top of the table (2) by a robot, and, on the other part, by a series of movable supports (3) and against which the workpieces (13) can be secured for positioning them at a distance from one another and to keep the workpieces (13) in place in known positions that can be passed on to the robot control, whereby the table (2) slopes downwards at least in the (Y-Y') direction of the aforementioned supports (3).