Detachable Vise Coupling for Flexible Robotic Workpiece Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated workpiece handling systems for machine tools are inflexible and require significant modifications or high financial investment to accommodate workpieces of different dimensions and materials, limiting their integration into existing production lines and increasing labor costs for manual loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a positioning system, a coupling unit, and a multiaxial robot unit that can be detachably coupled to a machine tool, allowing for automatic loading, unloading, and operation of the machine vise without structural changes, enabling the handling of workpieces with varying geometries and materials by controlling the clamping process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated workpiece handling systems are implemented, then productivity and automation extent are improved, but device complexity and financial investment increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The automated handling system is segmented into independent functional modules: a positioning device with longitudinal displacement capability, a coupling unit for detachable mechanical connection to the machine vise, and a workpiece handling unit with multiaxial robot. This modular segmentation allows the system to be implemented as an add-on device without modifying the existing machine tool structure, thereby improving automation while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling unit serves as an intermediary component that mediates between the positioning device and the machine vise. It provides detachable mechanical coupling and operates the machine vise (opening and closing) without requiring structural changes to the machine tool itself. This intermediary approach enables automation integration while maintaining the integrity of the existing machine tool.
2Productivity
If fixed automated handling systems are installed, then productivity improves, but adaptability to different workpiece dimensions and materials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece handling unit is designed as a dynamic multiaxial robot system that can adapt its positioning and movement parameters based on different workpiece dimensions and materials. The robot's multiple degrees of freedom allow it to adjust its kinematics dynamically to accommodate various workpiece geometries, maintaining both high productivity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in workpiece handling by allowing the multiaxial robot to adjust its positioning coordinates, movement speeds, and gripping forces according to the specific dimensions and material properties of different workpieces. This parameter adaptability ensures high productivity across diverse workpiece types without requiring physical reconfiguration of the system.
3Extent of automation
If existing machine tools are modified for automation, then automation extent improves, but loss of time for installation and commissioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automation system is delivered as pre-assembled modular units (positioning device, coupling unit, workpiece handling unit) that can be installed without disassembling or modifying the existing machine tool. This segmentation approach dramatically reduces installation and commissioning time while achieving full automation integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling unit acts as an intermediary that interfaces with the machine vise through detachable mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for permanent modifications to the machine tool. This approach allows rapid installation and removal, minimizing downtime and commissioning time while achieving automation integration.
4Device complexity
If manual loading and unloading is used, then device complexity remains low, but productivity and labor costs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece handling unit enables self-service automated loading and unloading of workpieces onto and from the machine vise, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The multiaxial robot autonomously positions, places, and removes workpieces, significantly improving productivity while adding only moderate system complexity compared to manual operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for loading and unloading and for operating a machine vise (10) of a machine tool (02), the device having a positioning device (13) mounted so as to be displaceable along a longitudinal direction (L), a coupling unit (14) movable together with the positioning device (13) being disposed at one end of the positioning device (13) in the longitudinal direction (L) for the detachable mechanical coupling to a machine vise (10) of the machine tool (02) and for the operation, in particular opening and closing, of the machine vise (10) and a workpiece handling unit (15), in particular a multiaxial robot unit, being disposed on the positioning device (13) behind the coupling unit (14) in the longitudinal direction (L) so as to be movable together with the positioning device (13).