Tool Holder Adapter Interface for Single-Hand Robot Tool Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool systems face inefficiencies in adapting to shape differences between workpieces and tools, requiring manual labor for hand exchange operations during transportation and tool changes, and necessitating multiple robots with different hand sizes for tool and workpiece transport.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool system utilizing a self-propelled robot with a single type of hand that can grip various adapters (tool holder, workpiece, and electrode holders) through engagement grooves, enabling efficient transportation without hand exchange, allowing a single robot to handle multiple types of tools and workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a self-propelled robot uses a single type of hand for transportation, then device complexity is reduced and operational efficiency is improved, but the robot cannot adapt to shape differences between workpieces and tools
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the robot's hand and the objects being transported. The adapter has a standardized interface that matches the robot's hand, while its outer shape can be customized to fit different objects (workpieces, tools, etc.). This allows the robot to transport various shaped objects using a single hand type, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple functions: it acts as a interface connector between the robot hand and different objects, provides a standardized gripping surface, and can be designed with different outer shapes to accommodate various object geometries. This universal component enables a single robot hand design to handle diverse transportation tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hands are exchanged to adapt to different objects, then transportation capability is improved, but loss of time occurs during hand exchange operations
Solution Approach 1:
Adapters are pre-configured with different outer shapes to match specific object geometries before transportation tasks begin. The robot hand is pre-adapted to the standardized adapter interface, eliminating the need for real-time hand exchanges during object transportation. This preliminary preparation resolves the time loss associated with hand exchanges.
3Force
If a hand larger than the tool exchange groove is used, then gripping strength is improved, but the hand cannot fit in the tool exchange groove
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping system is segmented into two distinct parts: the robot hand with standardized gripping surfaces optimized for strength, and the adapter with a reduced-size interface portion that fits into the tool exchange groove. This segmentation allows the hand to maintain large gripping strength while the adapter's interface portion remains compact enough to fit through the groove.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as a mediator that bridges the size discrepancy between the large robot hand and the small tool exchange groove. The adapter's inner cavity accommodates the tool holder, while its outer interface fits into the groove, allowing the large hand to grip the adapter without needing to fit into the groove itself.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
This machine tool system is provided with a tool holder adaptor (63) that has a flange (65) having formed therein: a hole part that contains a tool holder (73); and an engagement part (67) that engages with a hand of a self-propelled robot (51), wherein when transporting the tool holder (63) to a machine tool (11) from a tool storage (61) that contains a plurality of tool holder adaptors (63), the self-propelled robot (51) grasps the tool holder adaptor (63) to transport the tool.