Bar Feeding Device with Movable Channel Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bar feeding devices suffer from a gap between the channel cover and guiding member, which allows small diameter bars to escape, leading to damage and production interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A bar feeding device with a pivotable channel cover and a displaceable member that can move between extended and retracted positions, using detection means and actuating mechanisms like pneumatic cylinders or sensors to control the position of the displaceable member and create a gap for the pusher flag, ensuring the channel remains closed to prevent bar escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gap is provided between the channel cover and guiding member to allow the pusher flag to pass, then the pusher flag can move freely, but small diameter bars can escape through the gap causing damage and production interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The channel cover is made movable between a closed position (during bar feeding) and an opened position (during maintenance/access), allowing the system to dynamically adapt its state based on operational requirements. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the cover to close during operation to prevent bar escape, while still allowing access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel cover is positioned in the closed position before the bar feeding operation begins, preemptively preventing bar escape. The cover is opened only when maintenance or access is required. This preliminary positioning resolves the contradiction by ensuring bars are contained before any feeding action occurs.
2Reliability
If the channel cover is kept closed to prevent bar escape, then bar containment is improved, but the pusher flag cannot pass through causing operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The channel cover transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic system that can open and close. During bar feeding, the cover remains closed to contain bars. During maintenance or when the pusher flag needs access, the cover opens. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by allowing the cover to be closed during operation and opened when passage is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel cover alternates between closed and opened states based on operational cycles. It remains closed during normal bar feeding operations and opens periodically for maintenance, inspection, or when the pusher flag requires access. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by ensuring bar containment during operation while allowing passage when necessary.
3Device complexity
If a fixed structure is used between channel cover and guiding member, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different bar sizes and pusher flag passage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The channel cover is transformed from a fixed component to a movable one that can open and close. This adds minimal complexity while significantly improving adaptability, allowing the system to accommodate different bar sizes and enable pusher flag passage when needed, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
Prevents bar escape by maintaining the channel closed and allowing controlled passage of the pusher flag, enhancing operational reliability and reducing damage to components.
Implementation Method 1
said displacing means is/are (a) pneumatic cylinder(s)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a bar feeding device for example for a lathe. This bar feeding device comprises : - a base (1) extending lengthwise, - a channel cover (4) extending lengthwise and rotatably connected to said base (1), - a guiding member (7) comprising a guiding channel (8) extending lengthwise, - a pusher flag (12), - moving means (13) fastened to a first end of said pusher flag (12) and able to move it lengthwise, - a push bar (9) able to move within said guiding channel (8) and fastened to a second end of said pusher flag (12), and it is characterised in that said channel cover (4) comprises at least one displaceable member (14,14a) and means (15) for displacing said displaceable member (14,14a). The invention also pertains to a process for using such a bar feeding device.