Bar Feed Plane and Transfer Mechanism for Fast Format Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bar feeding systems, such as robotic automated pick-up devices and roller transport devices, are inefficient, complex, costly, and require significant human intervention, leading to machine downtimes and operational challenges when changing bar formats.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a support plane, a bar feed zone, a transfer device, and containing and translation units that allow for the automated and efficient movement and storage of bars with varying diameters and lengths, minimizing the need for human intervention and reducing downtimes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robotic automated pick-up devices are used to feed bars, then bars can be automatically supplied to user machines, but the device complexity increases and costs rise significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex robotic gripping mechanisms with a simplified mechanical system consisting of a bridge crane, roller transport device, and feed station. Instead of using robotic arms with sophisticated grippers to pick and place bars individually, the system uses gravity-assisted rolling motion and simple mechanical guides to transport bars in groups, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a feed surface that replicates the function of multiple storage locations by allowing bars to be scattered and redistributed across a single平面 surface. This eliminates the need for complex multi-position robotic manipulation, as the feed surface itself acts as a buffer and sorting area, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Device complexity
If roller transport devices are used to move bars, then bar transport is simplified, but versatility for changing bar formats is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the roller transport device through variable-speed rollers and adjustable feed surface positioning. This allows the same simple roller mechanism to adapt to different bar lengths, diameters, and weights by changing operational parameters rather than requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration, thereby maintaining simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed station is designed as a universal interface that can handle multiple bar formats through a single roller transport mechanism. The feed surface can accommodate bars of varying dimensions, and the roller device can adjust its parameters to suit different material types, making one simple device capable of performing multiple functions across different bar specifications.
3Measurement precision
If bars are transferred from warehouse to feed surface using dedicated structures and operators, then bars can be positioned accurately, but the procedure becomes extremely complex and requires significant human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the bar transfer process to be self-service by allowing bars to transport themselves via gravity and rolling motion from the warehouse area to the feed surface. The bridge crane simply positions groups of bars, and the roller transport device automatically guides them into place without requiring operators to manually position each bar, thereby achieving accurate positioning through self-organizing mechanical processes rather than complex human-controlled procedures.
4Productivity
If groups of bars are picked up and delivered to feed station, then bars can be supplied in batches, but machine downtimes occur during format changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning bars of different types in the warehouse area and using the bridge crane to quickly swap between pre-prepared groups. The roller transport device maintains continuous operation by drawing from pre-stocked batches, allowing format changes to occur during crane repositioning rather than during active feeding, thereby minimizing machine downtime while maintaining batch supply efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus to feed bars (B) to one or more user machines located downstream, said apparatus comprising a support plane (11), a bar feed zone (12) located in proximity to one bar supply end (13) of said support plane (11), wherein said support plane (11) comprises a unit (14) to move said bars (B) in a direction of movement (Z) from and toward said bar feed zone (12).