Abstract
Modular machines within the reconfigurable manufacturing paradigm require auxiliary modules to enhance the system’s capability. A tool-changing unit was developed as one of these auxiliary modules. The unit had to be able to adapt itself efficiently to changes in the configuration of the machine it was servicing. This necessitated the development of a real- time 3D tracking system in order for the unit to sense alterations in the position of the spindle to which it was delivering tools. An economic positioning system was produced using Nintendo Wii remotes. This paper presents the development, implementation, and testing of this positioning system.
Highlights
TOOL-CHANGING AND RECONFIGURABLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMSThere has been on-going research into and development of reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS) since the paradigm was formulated towards the end of the 1990s [1]
In the modular machine arena, the Mechatronics and Robotics Research Group (MR2G) of the University of KwaZulu-Natal has produced a 5-axis reconfigurable manufacturing machine prototype [3], along with a tool-changing unit that is able to interact with the machine tool [4]
Once the concept had been verified, it was implemented on the tool-changing unit in two ways: 1. The stereo Wiimote configuration using one LED; and 2
Summary
There has been on-going research into and development of reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS) since the paradigm was formulated towards the end of the 1990s [1]. The developed tool-changer differed from this in that it was an independent module It had to be structurally self-sufficient in order to allow the unit to service several machines. If it were designed to depend on structural support from the machine it was servicing, a different mechanical interface would be required for each machine it serviced This would reduce its flexibility and increase downtime in the event of a re-configuration. A positionsensing system that allowed the tool-changer to adjust quickly to changes in the location of the spindle needed to be developed in order to maximise the advantages of reconfigurable systems. The system enabled the tool-changer consistently to detect the location of the spindle This allowed the unit to calibrate itself automatically to variations in the position of the spindle, and to to adjust rapidly to any changes in configuration of the equipment. This paper presents the development of the positioning system, along with its testing and results
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