2D Extraction Device for Flat Blanks Using Mobile Gripper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for shaping flat blanks are complex and expensive, often requiring auxiliary devices, and struggle with ensuring precise positioning of the last flat cutout for folding along planned lines, necessitating repositioning.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a magazine with horizontal and rear stops, a depositing zone with positioning means, and a mobile gripping member with suction cups and a telescopic arm, allowing for precise 2D localization and positioning of flat blanks in two perpendicular directions, ensuring they are perfectly aligned for evacuation to a packing machine without repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If auxiliary devices are used for extraction and transfer, then the extraction capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the extraction device and transfer device into a single integrated unit. The extraction device with grippers is mounted on a movable support that can translate and rotate, allowing the same mechanism to both extract die-cuts from the stack and transfer them to the deposit zone, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable support structure serves multiple functions: it supports the extraction device, provides translation motion for extracting die-cuts from the stack, enables rotation for positioning, and facilitates transfer to the deposit zone. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining extraction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If conventional transfer devices are used, then the transfer function is achieved, but the positioning precision of the last flat die is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer functionVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates detection means that detect the position and orientation of the last flat die in the stack before extraction. This feedback information is used to adjust the extraction and transfer motion, ensuring that the die-cut is positioned with high precision in the deposit zone, eliminating the need for repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The detection means examine and identify the correct die-cut to be extracted before the extraction action occurs. This preliminary detection ensures that the extraction device targets the precise location and orientation needed, allowing the last flat die to be transferred directly to the correct position without subsequent repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If repositioning is performed after extraction, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection means perform preliminary detection and positioning calculation before extraction, and the integrated extraction-transfer mechanism is designed to deliver the die-cut directly to the precise target position in one continuous motion. This eliminates the need for separate repositioning operations after extraction, maintaining high positioning accuracy while reducing production time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 efficiently extracts and positions flat blanks one by one, ensuring accurate 2D localization and alignment, simplifying the process while eliminating the need for repositioning, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a mobile gripping device comprising at least one telescopic or rotating suction cup-type arm equipped with a plurality of suction cups at one of its ends and capable of transferring the cut located in the plane M of said store

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3075688B12d extraction and location device
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 TECH RE INNOVATION PACKING SAS
  • EP3075688B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3075688B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3075688B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (1) for unstacking and locating in 2D flat cuts (2), characterized in that it comprises: - a magazine (3) including at least one placement plane (31) suitable for receiving cuts (2) and a lower rear stop (32) and an upper rear stop (33) defining a plane M on which each cut (2) rests, bearing on said stops, - a depositing zone (4) including a substantially horizontal plane P on which each cut (2) is located before its evacuation and - a movable gripping member (5) suitable for transferring the cut (2) from the plane M to the plane P, and - positioning means (6) arranged to position each cut (2), when it is transferred from the plane M to the plane P, along two perpendicular directions contained in said plane P.