Tool Magazine Layout with Remote Carriers for Space-Limited Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tool magazine systems for machine tools face limitations in storage capacity and efficiency due to spatial constraints, particularly in the remote magazine units, which often require retrofitting to supply tools to the processing station effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tool magazine system comprising a first magazine unit close to the processing station and a second remote unit with a permanent and temporary tool carrier, allowing flexible configuration and increased storage capacity, enabling efficient tool transfer and management without disrupting ongoing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a remote magazine unit is provided with limited storage locations due to spatial conditions, then the machine tool can maintain a compact structure, but the storage capacity is greatly limited and frequent retrofitting is required
Solution Approach 1:
The tool magazine is divided into a first magazine unit close to the processing station and a second magazine unit remote from the station. The first magazine unit provides frequently accessed tools, while the second magazine unit provides additional storage capacity. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high storage capacity without requiring the entire magazine to be complex and remotely accessible, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and structural complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If a disc-like tool carrier is used in the remote magazine unit, then storage locations can be arranged in concentric rows, but a relatively large installation surface-area is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a disc-like tool carrier that requires large horizontal surface area, the patent employs a linear magazine unit with storage locations arranged along a linear path. The tool transfer device accesses tools through linear movement rather than radial access. This dimensional change from radial to linear arrangement significantly reduces the installation surface area while maintaining storage capacity.
3Productivity
If the magazine unit remote from the station is arranged in close vicinity of the punching machine, then tool transfer is efficient, but the available space is limited requiring retrofitting
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine system is segmented into two units at different distances from the processing station. The first magazine unit is positioned for efficient tool transfer, while the second magazine unit is positioned remotely to maximize storage capacity without constraining the processing station. The tool transfer device can access both units, maintaining efficiency while expanding storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool magazine for tools of a machine tool for processing workpieces includes a first magazine unit that is close to a processing station of the machine tool and a second magazine unit that is remote from the processing station of the machine tool. The second magazine unit includes a permanent tool carrier and a temporary tool carrier. The permanent tool carrier is permanently accessible to a tool handling device. The temporary tool carrier is temporarily accessible to the tool handling device.