Workpiece Support Rods With Locking for Curved Surface Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece support systems require complex and costly configurations with multiple drive parts and transmission mechanisms to adjust the extended/retracted length and angle of rods, leading to increased operational time and decreased positional accuracy when supporting workpieces with varying curvatures.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece support system with extendable and retractable rods, featuring a position adjustment device that uses shape data to control the extension and rotation of rods and vacuum pads, eliminating the need for drive devices and transmission mechanisms by employing a simple lock mechanism to maintain predetermined positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drive parts such as servomotors, amplifiers, and linear scales are provided for each rod to automatically control the extended/retracted length, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a sensor to detect the workpiece shape and creates a digital model (copy) of the curvature. This digital representation is then used to calculate and control rod positions without requiring complex drive mechanisms on each rod, achieving accurate positioning through information processing rather than mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical drive systems (servomotors, ball screws, guides) with a control system that uses sensors and calculations to determine rod positions. The positioning is achieved through intelligent control rather than mechanical actuation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components on each rod
2Productivity
If multiple drive parts and transmission mechanisms are provided for each rod to enable automatic control, then productivity is improved, but the number of cables and control panels increases, making the system more complex and harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions into a centralized control unit that receives workpiece shape data and coordinates all rod movements. Instead of independent drive systems for each rod, a single control system manages all positioning operations, reducing the number of cables and control panels while maintaining automated productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control system that can handle different workpiece shapes and curvature types. The sensor and control unit serve multiple functions: detecting various workpiece geometries, calculating appropriate rod positions, and coordinating movements, eliminating the need for dedicated drive mechanisms for each specific positioning task
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of each rod is performed to match the workpiece curvature, then adaptability is achieved, but operational time and labor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by using the sensor to automatically detect the workpiece shape and the control unit to calculate and position the rods accordingly. This eliminates the need for manual measurement and adjustment operations, achieving adaptability to different workpiece curvatures while dramatically reducing preparation time and labor
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects and stores the workpiece shape data in advance, allowing the control unit to pre-calculate the optimal rod positions before processing begins. This preliminary detection and calculation phase enables rapid rod adjustment without time-consuming manual operations
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 configuration allows for efficient and accurate support of workpieces with different curvatures using a simple and cost-effective setup, reducing operational time and improving positional accuracy without the need for complex drive systems.
Implementation Method 1
hold the workpiece by a vacuum pad placed in an upper end portion of each of the rods
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a workpiece support system that, by means of a simple configuration, can make rods extend/retract and can hold the rods at prescribed extended/retracted positions; and a workpiece support method. A workpiece support and processing system (1) that comprises: a plurality of rods (4) that can extend/retract in the axial direction; vacuum pads (5) that are rotatably arranged at upper end parts of the rods (4) and hold a workpiece; an extension/retraction lock mechanism that holds the axial-direction extended/retracted positions of the rods (4); and a robot (3) that has a hand (32) that can hold the rods (4) or the vacuum pads (5), and that performs position control of the hand (32). When the hand (32) is holding the rods (4) or the vacuum pads (5), the robot (3) moves the hand (32) on the basis of prerecorded workpiece shape data and makes the rods (4) extend/retract. The extension/retraction lock mechanism holds the extended/retracted positions of the rods (4) as extended/retracted by the robot (3).