Universal Charger Group Eccentric Loading Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic loading systems for machine tools, such as spring end grinding machines, are inflexible and inefficient when handling different types of helical compression springs, requiring time-consuming retooling and leading to poor machine utilization and increased costs due to complex conversion processes and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement featuring eccentric receiving openings on a loading plate, combined with a loading robot and modular loading modules, allows for flexible and efficient loading of various types of workpieces by aligning a mouth opening with a receiving opening, enabling quick and precise positioning and loading of workpieces without the need for complex synchronization or gripper handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If fixed fitting devices are used for loading springs, then the loading process is automated, but the device requires complex conversion for changing spring types, leading to machine standstill and poor utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The loading device is divided into multiple independent loading units, each capable of loading one or more spring bores. Each unit can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the system to adapt to different spring configurations without requiring complete retooling of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading device is designed with universal components that can handle multiple spring types. The positioning units and loading units are equipped with adjustable mechanisms that allow them to accommodate different spring dimensions, enabling a single device to perform multiple loading tasks without complex conversions.
2Productivity
If assembly devices rotate with the loading plate to fit spring bores, then loading is achieved, but complex synchronization between rotation and movement is required, increasing device complexity and error susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning units are designed to move dynamically with the rotation of the loading plate. Instead of requiring complex synchronization between separate rotating components, the positioning units are integrated to follow the plate's rotation naturally, reducing the need for additional synchronization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate positioning mechanisms that act as mediators between the loading plate rotation and the spring loading process. These positioning units translate the rotational motion into precise positioning without requiring complex synchronization, simplifying the overall system control.
3Extent of automation
If robots with grippers are used to insert springs, then automatic loading is achieved, but the robot must constantly move back and forth, slowing down the process and increasing error susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
Springs are pre-positioned in supply magazines or feed mechanisms before the loading process begins. The loading units then simply need to transfer or guide the springs into the bores, eliminating the need for robots to repeatedly search for and grasp springs from distant locations, thus increasing loading speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple loading functions into integrated loading units that can handle multiple springs in sequence. By merging the positioning, holding, and insertion functions into unified units that rotate with the plate, the system eliminates the back-and-forth motion characteristic of separate robotic gripper operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Arrangement for the automatic loading of workpieces, comprising: - a loading plate (11) for receiving workpieces (12), which is rotatably mounted about a rotary axis (A) and has a plurality of receiving openings (13) arranged eccentrically to the rotary axis (A); - a loading robot (14) for loading the loading plate (11) with workpieces (12), wherein the loading robot (14) has a positioning unit (15), in particular with a robot arm (20), and a loading group (16) with at least one loading module (17), each comprising a conveying line (171), a holding section (172), a discharge opening (173) for workpieces (12) and .comprising a locking device (18) for retaining and releasing workpieces; - a control unit (19) designed to repeatedly position o the loading plate (11), in particular by means of rotation about its axis of rotation (A), and/or the loading group (16), in particular by means of the positioning unit (15), relative to each other so that the mouth opening (173) of the at least one loading module (17) is aligned with a receiving opening (13) above it, and o each time by means of the locking device (18) to release a workpiece (12) retained in the holding section (172).