Bar Bundle Feed Station for Fast Type Change and Segment Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for supplying bars to user machines are complex, time-consuming, and prone to machine downtimes, as they require dedicated structures and operator intervention to move and position bars of different types from storage to the work surface, and do not efficiently manage cut segments for reuse.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a work plane and removal device that positions bundles of bars on a support plane, using containing units with movement means to deliver or remove bars without bridge cranes, allowing for efficient storage and distribution of different types of bars directly to user machines, and optimizing the storage of cut segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bridge cranes and dedicated structures are used to transfer bars from store to work surface, then bars can be moved and positioned, but the process becomes extremely complex and time-consuming with required operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bar transfer function from complex bridge crane systems and dedicated structures, implementing it instead through a simplified feed station with a support plane where bars are directly deposited and dispersed. This removes the need for complex lifting and positioning mechanisms while maintaining transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plane enables bars to self-disperse upon deposition without requiring operator guidance or positioning. The system serves itself by using gravity and the plane's geometry to automatically distribute bars, eliminating the need for dedicated positioning structures and operator intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bridge cranes are used to remove and replace bundles of bars, then different types of bars can be supplied, but machine downtimes occur during type replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The feed station is pre-configured with a support plane and bar dispersion mechanism ready to receive any bar type. Multiple bundles of different bar types can be pre-positioned nearby, allowing immediate switching without machine downtime. The system is prepared in advance to handle type changes instantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing bar type replacement without stopping the user machine. The feed station maintains continuous supply capability through its design that permits rapid bundle exchange, ensuring the downstream machine never experiences downtime during bar type transitions.
3Manufacturing precision
If operators guide and position bar movement from store to work surface, then bars can be correctly positioned, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support plane is designed to automatically disperse bars upon deposition without requiring operator guidance. The geometry and surface properties of the plane cause bars to self-position and spread out naturally, achieving correct positioning through self-service rather than manual intervention, thus eliminating time loss.
4Productivity
If cut segments are not discharged and stored optimally, then the supply process continues, but efficiency is reduced and reuse opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where cut segments are automatically discharged from the feed station and collected in a dedicated collection area. This enables recovery and reuse of cut segments, preventing material loss and improving overall productivity by maintaining continuous supply without wasting potentially reusable bar segments.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus to supply bars which includes a work plane on which to position a bundle of said bars and a removal device configured to remove at least one bar from said work plane in order to transfer it to a destination station. The supply apparatus includes a plurality of containing units each configured to house a respective bundle of a determinate type of bar.