Turbine Component Gripper for Safer CNC Loading and Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loading and unloading heavy or complex-shaped turbine components, such as blades or nozzles, in CNC machining systems is challenging due to their weight and intricate design, requiring manual handling that involves extensive bending and reaching, which is unsafe and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A handling system comprising a gripper with a mounting arm coupled to a tool handler, featuring a plurality of contact members and actuators that move between release and grasp positions to securely handle turbine components, and a loading system with a platform that moves between user-access and loading positions, allowing automated movement of the gripper and components within the machining system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling is used to load and unload turbine components, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but operator safety deteriorates and operational efficiency decreases due to heavy weight and complex shapes requiring extensive bending and reaching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a loading system with a loading platform as an intermediary device between the operator and the turbine component. The platform can be positioned at different locations (first position for operator access, second position for component transfer), allowing the operator to load components without bending or reaching into the machine enclosure, thereby eliminating ergonomic hazards while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated gripper system that can grasp and transfer turbine components. The gripper, controlled by a tool handler, automatically positions components onto the loading platform or directly into the machine enclosure, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy or complex-shaped components, thus improving safety and efficiency
2Productivity
If manual handling is used to position components on the fixture, then system complexity is minimized, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the handling system into distinct functional modules: a loading platform for component placement, a gripper for automated grasping and transfer, and a tool handler for control. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall productivity while keeping the system manageable through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper system is designed to autonomously grasp turbine components and transfer them between the loading platform and the machine enclosure without continuous human intervention. The automated operation reduces manual labor time and increases loading/unloading efficiency, while the self-service capability minimizes the need for complex control systems
3Extent of automation
If the loading platform is positioned inside the machine enclosure, then automated transfer is facilitated, but operator access deteriorates requiring extensive reaching and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The loading platform is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move between a first position (outside or at the boundary of the machine enclosure) for easy operator access and a second position (inside the enclosure) for automated component transfer. This dynamic repositioning enables the system to alternate between manual loading and automated handling modes, maintaining both operator accessibility and automation efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A handling system (100) for a turbine component (102) and a computerized machining system (104) are provided. A gripper (130) of the system includes a mounting arm (180) operatively coupled to a tool handler (120) of the machining system, a plurality of contact members (184) configured to collectively grasp the turbine component (102), and a first actuator (187) configured to move at least one of the contact members (184) between a release position in which the contact members receive a part of the turbine component (102) therebetween at a first longitudinal position (L1) thereof and a grasp position in which the contact members (184) grasp the part at a second longitudinal position (L2) thereof different than the first longitudinal position. The tool handler (120) and/or the turbine component (102) is linearly moved to move the gripper (130) relative to the turbine component between the first longitudinal position (L1) and the second longitudinal position (L2). A loading system allowing easier loading/unloading of the turbine component may also be provided.