Turntable Tool Magazine for Flexible Component Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing methods for components lack flexibility and efficiency in handling multiple component types and machining processes, with high construction and space requirements, and inefficient tool management.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing apparatus utilizing a turntable as a loading station with rotating carrying surfaces and tool conveyors allows for quick and flexible tool changes during machining, enabling overlap of machining and setup times, and minimal construction and space usage, with the option to connect multiple machining stations and tool magazines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manufacturing apparatus with separate loading and machining stations are used, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the cycle time is long and productivity is low due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the loading station and machining station into a single integrated apparatus. The loading station with turntable and the machining station with robotic arm share the same workspace and control system, allowing simultaneous tool changes and machining operations. This merging eliminates the need for separate sequential operations while maintaining operational simplicity through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing tool changes on the turntable to occur simultaneously with machining operations. While the robotic arm is machining a component, the turntable can rotate to position the next tool or load a new component, ensuring that the machining station never waits for tool preparation. This overlapping of operations eliminates idle time and maintains continuous productive action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tool magazines are arranged in different locations to handle various component types, then the adaptability increases, but the space requirements and construction complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal tool magazine system where the turntable can hold and quickly exchange different tools for various component types. Instead of having separate dedicated tool magazines for each component type, a single multi-functional turntable serves all tool storage and selection needs. The turntable's rotating mechanism allows any tool position to be brought to the loading position, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed magazine locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces static, fixed tool magazines with a dynamic turntable system. The turntable can rotate to bring any tool to the loading position, and tools can be added or removed during operation. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different component types and machining operations without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional space for multiple fixed magazines.
3Productivity
If tools are changed during machining process, then the time utilization optimizes and productivity increases, but the control complexity and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the turntable as an intermediary device between the tool storage and the machining station. The turntable acts as a buffer that holds multiple tools and can quickly present the required tool to the loading position without interrupting the machining process. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the control complexity by separating the tool selection function (turntable rotation) from the tool installation function (loading station), allowing independent optimization of each subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple tools on the turntable before the machining process begins. The turntable is loaded with a sequence of tools in the correct order, and during machining, the turntable simply rotates to present the next required tool. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex real-time tool selection algorithms and allows the control system to focus on coordinating pre-planned tool changes with the machining schedule.
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing apparatus (2) for components (3), which has at least one movable loading station (20) designed as a tool magazine (13) and having reception points (39) with different tools (4, 5, 6, 7) for different component types A-I. The loading station (20) is connected to one or more machining stations (20, 22′) at which at least one machining device (23) and at least one handling device (24) for handling and releasing the components (3) from the tool (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) are arranged. The selected Figure is FIG. 5.