Bar Handling Support Plane for Fast Format Changeovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for handling bars in the construction industry are complex and time-consuming, requiring dedicated structures and operator intervention to switch between different types of bars, leading to potential machine downtimes during format changes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a support plane and handling devices that allows for the storage and distribution of multiple types of bars adjacent to each other, enabling automated movement and delivery to user machines without the need for bridge cranes, using movement units and transfer arms to manage bar distribution and delivery efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bridge cranes and dedicated structures are used to transfer bars from stores to support plane, then bars can be transported between storage and processing areas, but the system becomes complex and time-consuming with potential machine downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the store and support plane into a single integrated apparatus where multiple stores are positioned adjacent to the support plane. This eliminates the need for separate bridge cranes and dedicated transfer structures, reducing system complexity while maintaining continuous bar supply to user machines
Solution Approach 2:
The support plane acts as an intermediary element between multiple stores and the user machine. It receives bars from different stores adjacent to it and supplies them to the user machine, eliminating the need for complex bridge crane operations while enabling flexible bar type changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators manually guide and position bar movements from store to work plane, then bar types can be switched, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires dedicated human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables automatic bar type switching through its mechanical design. The support plane can automatically receive bars from different adjacent stores and supply them to the user machine without operator intervention, making the system self-sufficient for format changes and eliminating manual positioning time
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic switching between different bar types by enabling the support plane to interact with multiple adjacent stores. The apparatus can adaptively change bar types by selecting from different stores based on production needs, without requiring fixed dedicated structures for each bar type
3Ease of operation
If dedicated structures and multiple devices are used for bar handling, then bars can be transported and positioned, but machine downtimes occur during format changes
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple stores containing different bar types are pre-positioned adjacent to the support plane before production begins. This allows the support plane to immediately switch between bar types by drawing from different adjacent stores, eliminating machine downtimes during format changes while maintaining automated handling
Solution Approach 2:
The support plane is designed as a universal interface that can receive bars from multiple different stores and supply them to the user machine. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated transfer mechanisms for each bar type, ensuring continuous operation and preventing machine downtimes during format changes
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for handling bars including a support plane configured to support a plurality of bars having an oblong development, and handling devices configured to remove a bar from a removal zone of the support plane and to deliver it to a delivery zone. Movement devices are associated with the support plane which are configured to distribute the bars on the support plane and to move them toward the removal zone.