Transfer Module With Lowerable Pins for Flexible Component Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transfer modules in production lines are inflexible and require separate modules for each component shape, leading to increased complexity and storage needs, as they are designed for specific dimensions and shapes, limiting their adaptability to different components.

Innovation Solution

A transfer module with a plate equipped with lowerable pins and a grid-based distribution of reference points, allowing for easy adaptation by changing the number and location of reference points, and utilizing a passive design without motors or actuators, enabling flexible use across various components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If transfer modules are designed with stationary pins for specific component shapes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent positioning precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different component shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pin configuration is made dynamic through lowerable pins that can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the component type being processed. This allows the same transfer module to adapt to different component shapes and sizes while maintaining precise positioning through the grid-based reference position system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer module is designed with a universal plate structure featuring a grid of reference positions that can accommodate various component types. By combining the standardized plate with selectively lowerable pins, a single module can serve multiple functions across different production scenarios, eliminating the need for dedicated modules for each component shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple dedicated transfer modules are produced for different component shapes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent-specific module precisionVSAvoidnumber of different module types

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of producing multiple dedicated modules for different component shapes, the invention uses a single universal module design with a standardized plate and selectively lowerable pins. This universal module can be configured for different component types by activating specific pins, thereby reducing the total number of module types needed in the production line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pin system is segmented into individually controllable lowerable pins rather than fixed stationary pins. This segmentation allows selective activation of only the pins needed for each specific component type, enabling one module to replace multiple dedicated modules while maintaining component-specific precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If transfer modules are exchanged for different component types, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for different componentsVSAvoidmodule exchange time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The module employs dynamically lowerable pins that can be quickly activated or deactivated according to the component type being processed. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for physical module exchanges, allowing rapid adaptation to different components while maintaining precision through the grid-based reference system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pin positions are pre-configured according to a grid of reference positions on the plate, allowing the system to quickly adapt to different component types by simply activating the appropriate pins in advance, without requiring time-consuming module exchanges during production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If active actuation systems are added to transfer modules, then adaptability is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive control capabilityVSAvoidpower supply requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lowerable pin mechanism is designed to be passively actuated by the component itself or by simple mechanical means during the loading process, rather than requiring active motors or actuators. This self-service approach enables adaptability through pin selection without consuming additional energy or requiring complex power supply systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240237786A1Transfer module for a component in a production line and manufacturing facility equipped with such modules

Publication Date: 2024.07.18 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A transfer module for components held in position on the module, which circulates in a production line that is equipped with workstations. The module has a plate provided with reference positions, of which at least certain positions are equipped with lowerable pins, which can be moved between a position in which they are lowered beneath the surface of the plate and a position in which they are extended out of the plate, so as to receive the component which to be held on the plate.