Vibratory Finishing Machine Automatic Workpiece Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vibratory finishing machines face challenges in efficiently loading and unloading long parts like turbine blades due to the presence of finishing media, and the process of pre-assembling and disassembling the frame is laborious and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory finishing machine with a frame that includes automatic clamping means for securing the workpiece and a mobile component driven by a jack or pneumatic cylinder for quick positioning, allowing for automated and rapid loading and unloading of workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a crane is used to lower the frame into the tub, then the workpiece can be loaded, but the presence of finishing media makes it difficult to lower the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the finishing media from the tub before loading the workpiece onto the frame. This extraction allows the frame to be lowered into the tub using a crane without interference from the finishing media, solving the problem of difficult loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the action of removing finishing media before the loading operation. This preliminary action prepares the system for easy loading by eliminating the harmful presence of media that would otherwise interfere with the crane operation.
2Productivity
If the frame is pre-assembled and then disassembled for each blade, then the blade can be processed, but it is a laborious and time-consuming operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-assembles the frame with the workpiece attached before the vibratory finishing operation. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for time-consuming assembly and disassembly operations during the processing cycle, as the frame remains assembled throughout the 15-20 minute vibratory finishing cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains the frame assembled and ready for processing throughout the vibratory finishing cycle. This continuous state eliminates interruptions for assembly or disassembly, ensuring the useful action of vibratory finishing can proceed continuously without time loss.
3Productivity
If an operator manages multiple vibratory finishing machines, then productivity increases, but the operator cannot manage three machines at the same time at the current assembly rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic clamping means on the frame that securely holds the workpiece without requiring manual adjustment or monitoring. This self-service feature reduces the operator's workload and allows them to manage more machines simultaneously, as the automatic clamping eliminates the need for continuous manual intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables quick handling of workpieces, allowing for efficient operation of multiple machines in a robotized system, where a blade can be treated every 5 minutes, significantly improving efficiency and reducing labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
a tub (30) suitable to contain finishing media, said tub being mounted on a plurality of springs (80) connected to a base (60)
Implementation Method 2
said tub being mechanically associated with vibratory means (70)... The vibration of the tub gives a vibratory motion to the finishing media
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A vibratory finishing machine (10), said machine (10) comprising a finishing unit (90) which includes a tub (30) capable of containing finishing media, said tub (30) being mounted on a plurality of springs (80) connected to a base (60) and being mechanically associated with vibratory means (70), the machine (10) further comprising a frame (20) configured to hold at least one workpiece (40) to be subjected to vibratory finishing. The workpiece holding frame (20) is provided with means for the automatic fastening in a working position of the workpiece (40). The machine (10) is also provided with a fixed support structure (50), said fixed support structure (50) being external to said finishing unit (90) and being associated with a mobile structure (100) configured to bring said frame (20) from a first position of assembly of the piece (40) to be processed to a second position in which the piece (40) is immersed in the finishing media inside the tub (30) and vice versa.