Tool Holder Adapter Interface for Universal Robot Tool Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool systems require multiple self-propelled robots with different hand sizes to transport tools and workpieces due to shape differences, necessitating labor-intensive hand exchanges and inefficiencies in production.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool system utilizing a self-propelled robot with a universal hand that can grip tool holder adapters and workpiece adapters, allowing a single robot type to transport various tools and workpieces by adapting to different shapes through engagement grooves, eliminating the need for hand exchanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple self-propelled robots with different hand sizes are used to transport tools and workpieces, then the ability to handle different shapes is improved, but the device complexity and labor for hand exchanges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single type of self-propelled robot with a standardized hand that can transport both tools and workpieces. The robot hand is designed with a universal gripping mechanism that accommodates different shapes through adaptive positioning, eliminating the need for multiple robot types with specialized hands for different objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary adapter mechanism that interfaces between the standardized robot hand and various tool/workpiece shapes. This adapter serves as a mediator that translates between the universal robot hand interface and the diverse shapes of transported objects, allowing a single robot type to handle multiple different shapes without direct complex gripping mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hand exchanges are performed to adapt to shape differences, then the ability to transport different objects is improved, but the productivity and operation time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized robot hand design enables a single hand configuration to transport both tools and workpieces without exchange. The hand incorporates adjustable gripping surfaces and positioning mechanisms that adapt to different object shapes, eliminating the productivity loss associated with hand exchange operations while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot hand is pre-configured with adjustable elements and positioning mechanisms that can be quickly adjusted to match different object shapes before gripping. This preliminary preparation of the gripping configuration eliminates the need for complete hand exchanges, maintaining productivity while enabling transport of different objects.
3Device complexity
If a standardized hand is used for all transportation tasks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adapt to different shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized robot hand incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable gripping forces, movable positioning surfaces, and adaptable finger configurations. These dynamic features allow the hand to morph its gripping configuration to match different object shapes while maintaining a simple standardized base structure, balancing simplicity with adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot hand utilizes parameter changes in gripping force, positioning angle, and contact point location to adapt to different object shapes. By varying these parameters rather than changing the physical hand structure, the system maintains standardized hardware while achieving shape adaptation through controlled parameter adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
This machine tool system is provided with a tool holder adaptor that has a flange having formed therein: a hole part that contains a tool holder; and an engagement part that engages with a hand of a self-propelled robot, wherein when transporting the tool holder to a machine tool from a tool storage that contains a plurality of tool holder adaptors, the self-propelled robot grasps the tool holder adaptor to transport the tool.