Turning-Arm Workpiece Handling with Track Switching for Compact Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece delivery systems require additional space, increase the size and cost of machine tools, and are inflexible in adapting to changes in machine tool configurations or non-machining stations, limiting their applicability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece delivery device with a compact, modular design that uses a columnar base, turning arm, and track turning mechanism to directly load and unload workpieces between machine tools and non-machining stations, reducing the need for separate space and allowing flexible configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an upper transfer machine is used to convey workpieces, then workpiece delivery automation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and factory visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the workpiece delivery function into two parts: (1) the machine tool's own table for loading/unloading workpieces, and (2) a separate conveyor line for transporting workpieces between machines. This segmentation eliminates the need for expensive upper transfer machines while maintaining automation, as each machine tool independently handles its own workpiece I/O operations.
2Extent of automation
If an upper transfer machine is used, then workpiece delivery is automated, but the height of the entire machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical workpiece delivery (upper transfer machine requiring high height) to horizontal delivery (conveyor line at table level). By changing the dimension of workpiece transport from vertical to horizontal, the machine height is reduced while maintaining automated delivery capability.
3Extent of automation
If workpiece support is used to deliver both workpiece and support to workpiece carriage, then workpiece handling is automated, but discharge point space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the workpiece support from the automated delivery system. Instead of delivering both workpiece and support together, the system only delivers the workpiece to the workpiece carriage, while the support remains at the discharge point. This extraction reduces the required discharge point space while maintaining automated workpiece handling.
4Extent of automation
If a larger workpiece carriage is used to accommodate workpiece and support, then automated delivery is maintained, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the workpiece support from the workpiece carriage delivery system. The workpiece carriage is designed to carry only the workpiece, not the support. This reduces the size of the workpiece carriage and consequently reduces the installation space required, while automated delivery of the workpiece is maintained.
5Extent of automation
If table is supported on stand that is part of conveyor line, then workpiece delivery is integrated, but machine footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure for the table from the conveyor line. The table is supported on columns erected on the bed, separate from the conveyor line stand. This segmentation allows the machine tool to have a compact footprint while the conveyor line operates independently, maintaining integrated workpiece delivery without increasing machine footprint.
6Volume of stationary object
If workpiece is directly loaded and unloaded without workpiece support, then machine size is reduced, but workpiece handling capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal workpiece delivery system where the machine tool's table and the conveyor line workpiece delivery mechanism can handle various workpiece types and configurations. The decoupled design allows the same system to accommodate different workpiece sizes, shapes, and weights, enhancing versatility while maintaining compact machine size through direct load/unload operations.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Provided is a workpiece delivery device that has a simple structure and can flexibly respond to a change in line configuration. The workpiece delivery device includes: a base; a turning center part; a turning arm; a workpiece hand; a track turning mechanism that determines a conveyor track of a workpiece; and a rotation control mechanism that controls an orientation of the workpiece hand, in which the track turning mechanism has a turning drive part, a turning transmission part, and a track guide part, the rotation control mechanism has a rotation restriction transmission part, a rotation control part, and a rotation restriction receiving part, the turning center part, the turning drive part, the track turning transmission part, the rotation restriction transmission part, and the rotation restriction receiving part are provided on the turning arm, the track guide part and the rotation control part are provided on the base, the rotation restriction receiving part is provided on a workpiece hand support shaft that rotatably supports the workpiece hand, and the rotation restriction transmission part and the rotation restriction receiving part are connected to each other by a connection part.