Independent Workpiece Holders With Strain-Absorbing Support Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece conveyance devices using SCARA robot units can 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 that allows movement in an intersecting direction, enabling the second support member to return to its initial position, reducing strain by adjusting distances and using compression springs, pneumatic cylinders, or magnet sets to absorb movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If two holding portions are coupled to each other to convey a workpiece, then the conveyance trajectories of both SCARA robots can be made substantially identical, but strain is generated in the workpiece due to movement in closer or separation directions caused by gear backlash and inertial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portions are made independent of each other, with each holding portion supported by its own second support member that can move independently along the intersection direction. This segmentation allows each holding portion to compensate for movements caused by gear backlash and inertial forces without transmitting strain to the workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of the holding portions dynamically by allowing the second support members to move along the intersection direction. This parameter adjustment enables the holding portions to maintain proper spacing and orientation while compensating for trajectory deviations, thereby preventing workpiece strain.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If holding portions move to compensate for gear backlash and inertial forces, then workpiece strain can be reduced, but the structural complexity of the conveyance device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second support members are designed to be movable along the intersection direction rather than fixed, creating a dynamic structure that can automatically adapt to trajectory variations. This dynamic capability allows the system to compensate for gear backlash and inertial forces without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second support members enable the holding portions to self-adjust their positions in response to trajectory deviations caused by gear backlash and inertial forces. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for external intervention or complex control systems while effectively preventing workpiece strain.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If independent holding portions are used instead of coupled holding portions, then workpiece strain is reduced, but the coordination between the two SCARA robots becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces movement along the intersection direction as an additional degree of freedom for the holding portions. This dimensional addition allows independent holding portions to maintain proper spatial relationships and coordinate effectively without requiring complex inter-holding-portion coupling 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 allowing independent movement of holding portions and returning them to initial positions, mitigating the effects of inertial forces and backlash.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption member provided between the first support member and the second support member, the second support member movably supporting the first support member along an intersection direction intersecting with a conveyance direction in which the workpiece is conveyed, and the absorption member allowing movement of the second support member caused in the intersection direction relative to the first support member, and enabling the second support member to return to an initial position in the intersection direction relative to the first support member
Data Source
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.