Tool Holding Unit Centering for Submillimeter Storage Lift Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval systems for tools in storage lifts lack sufficient positioning accuracy, leading to safety and reliability concerns in automated assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A precision storage and retrieval device with a handling robot and holding units featuring positive-locking centering elements for submillimeter precision alignment, combined with a centering device for horizontal alignment, and a lasered and riveted design to enhance accuracy and reduce deformation, ensuring precise positioning and safe storage and retrieval of tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional storage levels are used in storage lifts, then storage capacity is maintained, but positioning accuracy is insufficient for precise automated assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The storage level is divided into a base structure and separate holding units with centering elements. This segmentation allows the centering functionality to be added to individual holding units without redesigning the entire storage level, thereby improving positioning accuracy while minimizing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Centering elements act as intermediary components between the holding units and the storage lift structure. These elements mediate the positioning process by providing positive locking and submillimeter precision alignment, enabling accurate positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms in the main storage system
2Reliability
If conventional positioning methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but safety and reliability of automated assembly are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The centering elements perform preliminary positioning action before the automated assembly process begins. By pre-aligning the holding units with submillimeter precision during the storage operation, the system ensures safety and reliability are established in advance, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The holding units self-center using the positive locking centering elements during the storage operation. This self-service positioning mechanism automatically achieves precise alignment without requiring external intervention or complex control systems, thereby improving reliability while keeping the positioning system relatively simple
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a precision storage and/or retrieval device (54) for the at least semi-automated storage and/or retrieval of tools (10), in particular complete tools (12), and/or tool chucks (14) in and/or from a storage lift (16), with at least one holding unit (24) for tools (10), in particular complete tools (12), and/or tool chucks (14), which can be loaded by a handling robot (18) and provides a plurality of storage locations (20, 22). It is proposed that the holding unit (24) has at least one positive-locking centering element (26) which is designed to interact with a centering pin (28) and/or a centering recess to achieve submillimeter-accurate horizontal alignment of the holding unit (24).