Tool Magazine Layout for Safe Manual Tool Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conveyance devices, the manual attachment and detachment of conveyance objects between units are inefficient due to safety restrictions, hindering timely exchanges and affecting operator safety.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance device design featuring a first and second conveyance unit with endless loop-shaped routes and a cover body providing openings for attachment and detachment, where the second section of the first route is between the first and second units, and the fourth section of the second route is between the second and first units, allowing for safe and efficient tool exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conveyance units are arranged side by side with openings for manual attachment and detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the operator safety deteriorates due to restricted timing for attaching and detaching conveyance objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration by positioning openings on opposite sides of the cover body. This dimensional change allows operators to access conveyance objects from opposite directions simultaneously, resolving the safety restriction while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the cover body into multiple access points (first opening and second opening) positioned on opposite sides. This segmentation allows independent access to different conveyance units without interference, enabling simultaneous operations while maintaining safety boundaries.
2Productivity
If the openings are positioned close to the conveyance routes for efficient access, then the productivity is improved, but the operator safety deteriorates due to increased risk during conveyance object exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions openings on opposite sides of the cover body rather than adjacent to the conveyance routes. This spatial reconfiguration maintains efficient access while creating safety distance, as operators work from opposite directions away from the active conveyance zones.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyance units are configured with independent endless loop routes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple conveyance systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple conveyance units within a single cover body structure with unified support. This merging approach maintains the adaptability of independent endless loop routes while reducing overall device complexity through shared structural elements and coordinated control.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool magazine as a conveyance device includes a first conveyance unit that conveys a plurality of tools along a first route, a second conveyance unit that conveys a plurality of tools along a second route, and a cover body. A first opening used to attach and detach the tool in a first section of first route and a second opening used to attach and detach the tool a third section of second route are provided in cover body. A second section of first route is located between first section of first route and second conveyance unit in a direction in which first conveyance unit and second conveyance unit are arranged. A fourth section of second route is located between third section of second route and first conveyance unit in the direction in which first conveyance unit and second conveyance unit are arranged.