Wire EDM Securing Device Prevents Workpiece Hanging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire electrical discharge machining systems face challenges in securely managing cut-out portions and remaining workpiece portions during machining, leading to potential hanging issues due to weight, which requires manual intervention or complex robotic movements to prevent.

Innovation Solution

A securing device is integrated into the system that magnetically or via suction attracts both the cut-out and remaining portions of the workpiece at the machining completion point, allowing for secure attachment without needing the robot arm to follow the workpiece's movement, and a visual sensor determines the optimal placement for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a robot arm supports a cut-out portion at its distal-end portion, then the cut-out portion is prevented from hanging down, but the robot arm must be repositioned continuously to follow workpiece movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of cut-out portion hangingVSAvoidrobot arm repositioning complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A securing device is introduced as an intermediary between the robot and the workpiece. The robot positions and attaches this securing device to the workpiece at the cut position, and the securing device then individually attracts both the cut-out portion and remaining portion, preventing hanging without requiring continuous robot repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing device is positioned and attached to the workpiece at the cut position before the machining is fully completed. This preliminary attachment ensures that when the cut-out portion is separated, it is already secured and will not hang down due to its own weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual intervention is used to manage cut-out portions, then hanging issues are prevented, but machining efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of cut-out portion hangingVSAvoidmachining efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device automatically individually attracts both the cut-out portion and remaining portion through magnetic or suction attraction. This self-service mechanism prevents hanging issues without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining high machining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling of cut-out portions is replaced by an automated securing device that uses magnetic attraction or suction. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention while ensuring reliable prevention of hanging issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the robot arm follows workpiece movement to secure cut-out portions, then secure attachment is achieved, but handling time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of cut-out portionVSAvoidrobot repositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device is attached to the workpiece at the cut position before the machining is fully completed. This preliminary attachment ensures that when the cut-out portion is separated, it is already secured, eliminating the need for the robot to follow workpiece movement and reducing repositioning time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The securing device serves as a stationary intermediary that remains attached to the workpiece at the cut position. It individually attracts both portions and maintains secure attachment without requiring the robot arm to continuously reposition itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution prevents cut-out portions from hanging due to their own weight, enhances handling efficiency of the remaining workpiece, and allows for reliable separation and transport of cut-out and remaining portions without manual intervention, improving overall machining system efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the securing device individually attracts a cut-out portion of the workpiece and a remaining portion of the workpiece at the cut position where the workpiece has been cut

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

wire electrical discharge machining has been performed on the workpiece held on the holding unit to reach a predetermined position before completion of the machining

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical discharge machining: Electrical Discharge Machining

Data Source

PatentUS10780513B2Wire electrical discharge machining system

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A wire electrical discharge machining system includes a securing device that is placed at a cut position where a workpiece on a holding unit has been cut by wire electrical discharge machining when the wire electrical discharge machining has been performed on the workpiece held on the holding unit to reach a predetermined position before the completion of machining and that individually attracts a cut-out portion from the workpiece and a remaining portion on the workpiece at the cut position where the workpiece has been cut, thereby securing the cut-out portion to the remaining portion, and a robot is configured to individually attract both the cut-out portion and the remaining portion with the securing device.