Independent Workpiece Holders With Spring Absorption Against Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece conveyance devices using SCARA robots generate strain in workpieces due to backlash in gears and inertial forces during operation, particularly when conveying a single workpiece.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece conveyance device with independent holding portions and an absorption member, such as compression coil springs or pneumatic cylinders, that allows movement and return of the holding portions in an intersecting direction to reduce strain, while maintaining the distance between holding members, and includes a control unit to manage these movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If two holding portions are slidably coupled to each other to convey a workpiece, then the conveyance trajectory can be maintained substantially identical, but strain is generated in the workpiece due to movement in closer or separate directions
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portions are divided into independent first and second holding portions, each capable of independent movement. This segmentation allows each holding portion to independently compensate for movements caused by backlash and inertial forces, preventing strain transmission to the workpiece while maintaining identical conveyance trajectories.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding portions are designed with movable connections (slidable or hinged) rather than fixed rigid connections. This dynamic design enables the holding portions to adaptively adjust their positions relative to each other, absorbing movements caused by gear backlash and inertial forces during deceleration, thereby preventing workpiece strain.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the holding portions are rigidly connected to maintain stable conveyance, then structural stability is improved, but backlash in gears and inertial forces cause movement and strain in the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portions utilize movable connections (slidable or hinged joints) instead of rigid fixed connections. This dynamic design allows the structure to absorb movements caused by gear backlash and inertial forces during operation, maintaining structural stability while preventing strain transmission to the workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable connection mechanism acts as an intermediary between the first and second holding portions. This intermediary absorbs the harmful movements caused by backlash and inertial forces, allowing the holding portions to move independently without transmitting strain to the workpiece while maintaining overall structural stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the holding portions move independently to reduce strain, then workpiece strain is reduced, but the distance between holding portions may vary
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portions are designed with movable connections that allow independent movement to absorb backlash and inertial forces. The slidable or hinged joint design enables dynamic adjustment of the distance between holding portions, allowing them to move independently to reduce strain while automatically returning to their proper relative positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable connection mechanism between the holding portions is designed to automatically compensate for distance variations. Through the inherent mechanical properties of the slidable or hinged connection, the system self-adjusts to maintain appropriate spacing between holding portions during independent movement, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms.
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 device effectively reduces strain in workpieces during conveyance by adjusting the distance between holding portions and managing inertial forces and backlash, enhancing the conveyance trajectory flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption member (30) provided between the first support member (24) and the second support member (26)
Implementation Method 2
the absorption member (30) includes a compression coil spring (31, 32)
Data Source
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AI summary
A workpiece conveyance device includes a base body disposed adjacent to a press machine, a pair of first arms, a pair of second arms, and a first holding portion and a second holding portion independent of each other. Each of the first holding portion and the second holding portion includes a plurality of holding members configured to hold a workpiece W. The first holding portion includes a first support member, a second support member, and an absorption member. The second support member movably supports the first support member along an intersection direction. The absorption member allows movement of the second support member caused in the intersection direction relative to the first support member, and makes it possible for the second support member to return to an initial position in the intersection direction relative to the first support member.