Workpiece Clamp Control for Variable-Diameter Forming Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece transport systems in forming machines require manual adjustments and replacement of clamps for different diameters, which is time-consuming and requires expert intervention, limiting efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A transport system with a gripping assembly and control device that automatically adjusts the movement of a clamp with two opposing arms to grip and release workpieces of varying diameters, allowing for coordinated linear displacement and independent actuator control of multiple gripping assemblies, enabling seamless transport of workpieces with different diameters using the same gripping device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment and replacement of clamps is used for different workpiece diameters, then the gripping device can adapt to different sizes, but the process is time-consuming and requires expert intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arms are made adjustable through a positioning mechanism that allows dynamic reconfiguration of the arm positions. The arms can be moved along their respective axes and fixed at different positions using positioning elements, enabling the same clamp to adapt to different workpiece diameters without manual replacement or expert intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables operators to independently adjust the clamp arms to different positions using the positioning mechanism. The self-contained adjustment system allows users to reconfigure the clamp for different diameters without requiring expert knowledge or manual replacement of entire clamp assemblies.
2Reliability
If expert intervention is required for clamp adjustment, then proper gripping can be achieved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism with predefined positions and positioning elements enables operators to independently adjust the clamp arms to correct positions. This self-contained system eliminates the need for expert intervention while maintaining reliable gripping, as the mechanism guides the adjustment process and ensures proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp arms are equipped with positioning elements and predefined positions that prepare the system for accurate adjustment. The positioning mechanism pre-establishes correct positions for different workpiece diameters, allowing operators to simply select the appropriate position rather than requiring expert knowledge of the adjustment process.
3Device complexity
If fixed clamp configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different workpiece diameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp structure incorporates adjustable elements that allow reconfiguration of the arm positions while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The positioning mechanism adds minimal complexity to the basic clamp structure, enabling adaptability to different workpiece diameters through straightforward mechanical adjustment rather than complex reconfiguration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for transporting workpieces in forming machines. The system comprises a main carriage (1) and a gripping device (3) configured for gripping a workpiece (P) and attached to the main carriage (1). The gripping device (3) comprises a clamp (31) for gripping the workpiece (P), and a clamp actuator (32) for causing the movement of the clamp (31) so that said clamp (31) closes and/or opens for gripping and/or releasing the workpiece (P). The system comprises a main actuator (2) for linearly displacing the main carriage (1), and a control device configured for acting on both actuators (2, 32) to cause the linear displacement (70) of the main carriage (1) and the movement of the clamp (31) to be generated in a coordinated manner, depending on the diameter of the workpiece (P).