Workpiece Storage Unit Positioning via Decoupled Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for repositioning storage units on a machine tool, particularly for complex applications, are not time-optimized and can be inefficient due to the lack of precise control over distance and direction during the repositioning process.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the shortest route and direction for each storage unit to its target position, using a common drive means such as a motorized infeed drive and coupling device, allowing for synchronized movement and decoupling of storage units to minimize time-consuming connection and decoupling processes while preventing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If storage units are repositioned using conventional methods without optimized routing, then the repositioning process is simpler to implement, but the repositioning time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device pre-calculates the repositioning sequence and routing paths for all storage units before the repositioning operation begins. This preliminary planning ensures that storage units are moved in an optimized sequence along the infeed path, minimizing total repositioning time while avoiding collisions, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the repositioning process by continuously monitoring the positions of storage units and automatically modifying the delivery sequence based on real-time conditions. The control device optimizes the routing and timing of each storage unit's movement along the infeed path, enabling adaptive optimization that improves productivity without requiring overly complex manual control mechanisms
2Productivity
If storage units are moved simultaneously without sequence optimization, then the repositioning process is faster, but collisions between storage units occur
Solution Approach 1:
Before initiating the repositioning operation, the control device calculates the optimal sequence and timing for each storage unit's movement along the infeed path. This preliminary routing planning ensures that multiple storage units can be moved simultaneously at different positions without colliding, as each unit's path and timing are pre-coordinated, thus achieving both high productivity and collision-free operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control device continuously monitors the actual positions of storage units during the repositioning process and compares them with the planned positions. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the movement timing and sequence of storage units to prevent collisions while maintaining optimized repositioning speed, ensuring both productivity and reliability
3Reliability
If storage units are repositioned one by one in sequence, then collisions are avoided, but the repositioning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device pre-calculates an optimized repositioning sequence that allows multiple storage units to be moved simultaneously at different positions along the infeed path. By planning the routing and timing in advance, the system determines which storage units can be moved together without colliding, thus reducing the total repositioning time while maintaining collision-free operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically coordinates the movement of multiple storage units by continuously adjusting their delivery timing and sequence based on real-time position feedback. This dynamic control enables parallel movement of storage units that would otherwise require sequential handling, significantly reducing repositioning duration while ensuring collision avoidance through real-time monitoring and adjustment
Data Source
Figure 1(1)~2b
Figure 2c~2f
Figure 2g~3(2)
AI summary
Method for the mutual positioning of bearing units of a workpiece bearing, workpiece bearing, and machine tool with a workpiece bearing and control program. Within the framework of a method for the mutual positioning of bearing units (I, II, III) of a workpiece bearing on a machine tool, the bearing unit (I, II, III) that, in an individual actual position along a common feed path (34), has the smallest distance from its individual target position is defined as the selected bearing unit (I, II, III), connected to a common drive means (32), moved along the common feed path (34) from the individual actual position to the individual target position, and decoupled from the common drive means (32) in the individual target position. The feed direction of the selected bearing unit (I, II, III) is defined as the selected feed direction.Co-rotating storage units (I, II, III), which are to be moved from their individual actual position to their individual target position in the selected delivery direction, are, if necessary, transferred together with the selected storage unit (I, II, III) moved to the individual target position to an individual intermediate position. From there, the co-rotating storage units (I, II, III) are delivered one after the other to their individual target position in the selected delivery direction.Counter-rotating bearing units (I, II, III), which are to be moved from their individual actual position to their individual target position against the selected feed direction, are, if necessary, decoupled from the common drive means (32) and left in their individual actual position until the selected bearing unit (I, II, III) and, if applicable, the co-rotating bearing units (I, II, III) are moved to their individual target positions and decoupled from the common drive means (32). Subsequently, the counter-rotating bearing units (I, II, III) are moved one after the other against the selected feed direction to their individual target positions. A workpiece bearing is equipped with devices for carrying out the above procedure and is operated by means of a numerical control program. A machine tool has such a workpiece bearing.