Transfer Module for Robotic Carriage Guide Element Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular guide elements for robotic carriages are fixed and do not allow for easy transfer between non-butted guide elements, nor do they enable the crossing of two carriages on the same guide route or the creation of closed circuit guide routes, which limits flexibility and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A transfer module with translation and rotation means that allows precise alignment and abutment with adjacent guide elements, enabling the transfer of robotic carriages between non-butted elements, crossing of carriages, and creation of intersecting guide routes, while also facilitating changes in guidance installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular guide elements are used to reduce manufacturing costs and enable route changes, then manufacturing cost and flexibility are improved, but the ability to transfer carriages between non-butted guide elements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system is divided into modular guide elements that can be independently positioned and configured. Each module can be separately manufactured and assembled, allowing flexible route configuration while maintaining transfer capabilities through standardized interfaces between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Transfer modules act as intermediary elements between non-butted guide elements. These specialized modules provide the mechanical interface and positioning mechanisms that enable carriage transfer between otherwise independent guide element segments, mediating the connection without requiring permanent butting.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed modular guide elements are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but crossing of two carriages on the same guide route is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system incorporates dynamic transfer modules that can change their configuration and orientation. These modules can pivot and adjust their position to allow crossing paths, transforming the static modular elements into dynamic components that adapt to different route requirements including intersections and crossings.
Solution Approach 2:
Crossing capabilities are achieved by adding vertical or lateral dimensionality to the otherwise planar guide route. Transfer modules can elevate or depress carriages, or shift them laterally, allowing two carriages on the same guide route to cross by temporarily occupying different spatial dimensions rather than conflicting in the same plane.
3Strength
If monolithic guide profiles are used to ensure rigidity for heavy loads, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and route reconfiguration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic guide structure is segmented into multiple modular elements that can be independently manufactured to standard specifications. Each segment maintains the structural rigidity of the original monolithic design through standardized reinforcement, while the modular nature allows easy reconfiguration by assembling different sequences of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide elements are pre-manufactured with standardized connection interfaces and reinforcement structures that enable both strong assembly and easy reconfiguration. The preliminary preparation of standardized components allows rapid deployment and modification of guide routes without requiring custom manufacturing for each configuration change.
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the invention is a transfer module (10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6) of a robotic carriage between non-abutting and adjacent guide elements, this transfer module (10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6) and these guide elements comprising means for guiding the carriage in translation along their respective longitudinal axes (A10), the transfer module (10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6) comprising a body (30) extending along its longitudinal axis (A10) and this body (30) being connected to a frame (20) by means of a support (32), the transfer module (10,10-1,10-2,10-3,10-4,10-5,10-6) being characterized in that it comprises translation means (36) connecting the body (30) to a chassis (94) configured to ensure the translation of said body (30) relative to said chassis (94) along the longitudinal axis (A10) of the module (10,10-1,10-2,10-3, 10-4,10-5,10-6) and rotation means (34) connecting said chassis (94) to the support (32) configured to rotate the chassis (94) around a crossing axis (AC) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A10) of the module (10,10-1,10-2,10-3,10-4,10-5,10-6),