Tool Changer Restraining Mechanism Prevents Gravity Drift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tool changers experience movement issues when power is shut off, leading to interference with other components due to gravity and biasing forces, and the use of motors with brakes is costly and inefficient for power saving.

Innovation Solution

A tool changer with a restraining mechanism that engages with the tool change arm at its original position to prevent movement, eliminating the need for continuous power to maintain stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a motor with a brake is used as the forward/backward movement drive motor to prevent movement when power is off, then the tool change arm can be restrained, but the cost increases and energy efficiency decreases due to continuous power requirement for brake release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of tool change arm positionVSAvoidenergy consumption of forward/backward movement drive motor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The braking function is extracted from the forward/backward movement drive motor and implemented as a separate restraining mechanism (engagement groove and engagement protrusion) that operates independently of the motor's power supply, eliminating the need for continuous power to maintain restraint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A restraining mechanism consisting of an engagement groove in the mount base and an engagement protrusion on the tool change arm serves as an intermediary restraint system. This mechanical engagement provides passive stabilization without requiring active power input, mediating between the need for position stability and energy conservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If power is shut off to save energy during standby, then energy consumption is reduced, but the tool change arm moves due to gravity and biasing forces causing interference with other components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumption during standbyVSAvoidinterference with surrounding components

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement protrusion is preliminarily positioned to engage with the engagement groove before power shutdown occurs. This preliminary mechanical engagement creates a pre-positioned restraint that counteracts the harmful effects of gravity and biasing forces that would otherwise cause the tool change arm to move and interfere with surrounding components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The restraining mechanism provides self-service stabilization through passive mechanical engagement. The engagement groove and protrusion automatically maintain the tool change arm's position without requiring active power input or external intervention, allowing the system to save energy while preventing harmful movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Prevents unwanted movement of the tool change arm when power is off, avoiding interference with other components and reducing energy costs by not requiring electric power for restraint.

Implementation Method 1

a restraining mechanism provided thereon for restraining movement of the tool change arm in a direction along the support shaft by direct engagement with the tool change arm positioned at an original position or indirect engagement with the tool change arm positioned at the original position through another member connected to the tool change arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS9969040B2Tool changer

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 DMG MORI CO LTD

AI summary

A tool changer 10 includes a tool change arm 40 having tool holding portions 42, 52 at ends thereof, a support shaft supporting the tool change arm 40, a rotation mechanism including a rotation drive motor 25 and rotating the tool change arm 40 about an axis of the support shaft, a forward/backward movement mechanism including a forward/backward movement drive motor 13 and moving the tool change arm 40 forward and backward along the support shaft, and a mount base 11 having the rotation drive motor 25, the forward/backward movement drive motor 13 and the support shaft mounted thereon. The tool changer has a restraining member 60 provided thereon which restrains movement of the tool change arm 40 in a direction along the support shaft by engaging with the tool change arm 40 positioned at an original position.