Tool Storage Lift Centering for Submillimeter Robot Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems, such as Kardex lifts, face challenges in achieving precise positioning of tools and tool holders, leading to insecure, unreliable, and imprecise automated loading.
Innovation Solution
A precision apparatus with a holding unit featuring form-fitting centering elements and a handling robot, allowing submillimeter-precise horizontal orientation and positioning, combined with a centering device for accurate alignment, ensures precise actuation and safe storage and retrieval of tools in storage lifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional storage systems are used, then storage capacity is provided, but positioning precision is insufficient for secure automated loading
Solution Approach 1:
A centering device with centering bolts acts as an intermediary between the holding unit and the storage lift. The centering bolts engage with form-fitting centering elements on the holding unit to provide submillimeter-precise horizontal positioning, enabling reliable automated loading while maintaining storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positioning parameter from conventional millimeter-level precision to submillimeter-level precision through the centering mechanism. This parameter improvement enables secure automated loading without compromising the storage function
2Manufacturing precision
If form-fitting centering elements are added to holding units, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire holding unit complex, only specific localized features (centering elements) are added to provide the required precision. The centering elements are discrete components integrated into the holding unit structure, providing submillimeter horizontal orientation precision without overwhelming system complexity
3Productivity
If automated loading is implemented without precise positioning, then productivity is improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The centering device performs preliminary positioning action before the automated loading process. The centering bolts engage with the form-fitting centering elements to establish precise horizontal orientation in advance, ensuring both safety and reliability while maintaining automated loading productivity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is based on a precision apparatus for placement into storage and/or removal from storage (54) for an at least semiautomated placement into storage and/or removal from storage of tools (10), in particular tool assemblies (12), and/or of tool chucks (14) into and/or out of a storage lift (16), with at least one holding unit (24) for tools (10), in particular tool assemblies (14), and/or tool chucks (14), which is loadable by a handling robot (18) and forms a plurality of storage bins (20, 22).It is proposed that the holding unit (24) comprises at least one form-fitting centering element (26), which is configured to interact with a centering bolt (28) and/or a centering recess for a submillimeter-precise horizontal orientation of the holding unit (24).