Tool Replacement System with Intermediate Magazine
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Solution Overview
Problem
In machining centers, the existing tool replacement systems often result in waiting times due to the limited capacity of the intermediate magazine, which is required to hold all tools to prevent waiting times, but this is not always feasible given space constraints and varying operation times of tools.
Innovation Solution
A tool replacement system that includes a tool conveyance apparatus, a tool replacement arm, and an intermediate magazine, where a computer controls the sequence of operations to transfer tools requiring waiting time to the intermediate magazine or directly to the tool replacement arm, allowing efficient tool operation without the need for all tools to be stored in the intermediate magazine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If all tools are held in the intermediate magazine to prevent waiting time, then waiting time is eliminated, but the intermediate magazine requires large space
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by transferring tools requiring waiting time to the intermediate magazine in advance, before the machining center completes its current operation. The computer identifies which tools will be needed next and pre-positions them in the intermediate magazine during the operation of the current tool, thereby eliminating waiting time without requiring all tools to be stored simultaneously in the magazine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the tool transfer strategy based on real-time operational status. The computer continuously monitors the operation time of current tools and the conveyance time of the tool conveyance apparatus, dynamically determining which tools should be pre-transferred to the intermediate magazine. This dynamic approach optimizes the use of limited magazine space while ensuring tools are available when needed.
2Volume of stationary object
If the tool conveyance apparatus transfers tools directly to the tool replacement arm, then the intermediate magazine capacity can be reduced, but waiting time occurs when tool operation time is shorter than conveyance time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary transfers of tools requiring waiting time to the intermediate magazine before the machining center completes its current operation. The computer identifies tools that will be needed after the current tool finishes, and pre-positions them in the intermediate magazine during the current tool's operation, thereby eliminating waiting time without requiring all tools to be stored simultaneously.
3Volume of stationary object
If the intermediate magazine holds only some tools, then space requirements are reduced, but the sequence of tool operations must be optimized to avoid waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The computer continuously monitors the operational status of the machining center, including the current tool's operation time, the conveyance time of the tool conveyance apparatus, and the contents of the intermediate magazine. Based on this feedback, the computer dynamically adjusts the tool transfer sequence, identifying which tools should be pre-transferred to the intermediate magazine to prevent waiting time while optimizing the use of limited magazine space.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention has an object to provide a tool replacement system that is capable of preventing the waiting time from occurring as much as possible although an intermediate magazine arranged therefore has a smaller capacity than prior arts. In the tool replacement system, programs pertaining to the sequence of operation and operation time of operating tools 7 are established, wherein, when the operation time of individual tools 7 is shorter than the conveyance time for reciprocation of the tool conveyance apparatus 3 between the tool magazine 1 and the tool replacement arm 4, the object can be solved by realizing transfer of at least a part of the tools planned to be operated in a next process of the corresponding individual tools 7 to the tool replacement arm 4 after the tools are arranged to the intermediate magazine 5.