Bar Handling Support Plane for Fast Multi-Type Bar Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for handling bars in the construction industry are complex and time-consuming, requiring bridge cranes and manual operation to switch between different types of bars, leading to machine downtimes and inefficiencies in supplying bars to user machines.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a support plane and movement devices that allows for the storage and distribution of multiple types of bars, enabling automated handling and delivery to user machines without the need for bridge cranes, using a system of movement units and transfer arms to manage bar distribution and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bridge cranes and manual operations are used to switch between different types of bars, then bars can be removed from stores and delivered to feed stations, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming, leading to machine downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions multiple bundles of different bar types on the support plane before they are needed. The movement device advances bundles toward the feed station in advance, so when a bar type change is needed, the next bundle is already in position and can be quickly transferred, eliminating machine downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plane acts as an intermediary buffer between the store and the feed station. It temporarily holds multiple bundles of different bar types, allowing the feed station to receive bars continuously without waiting for bridge crane operations to transfer bundles from the store.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated structures and operators are used to guide and position bars from store to work plane, then bars can be transferred, but the procedure becomes extremely complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movement device automatically advances bundles from the store onto the support plane without requiring operators to manually guide and position them. The system performs the positioning function itself through automated movement, eliminating the need for dedicated guiding structures and manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the complex manual guiding and positioning operations from the transfer process. By removing the need for operators to suitably guide and position bars, the system simplifies the operation while maintaining effective bar transfer capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bundles of bars are removed and replaced from stores using bridge cranes, then different types of bars can be supplied to user machines, but the cycle is time-consuming and causes machine downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bundles of different bar types are pre-loaded onto the support plane in advance. When the feed station needs to switch from one bar type to another, the next required bundle is already positioned and ready for immediate transfer, enabling rapid bar type switching without stopping the user machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plane maintains a continuous supply of different bar types, allowing the feed station to operate continuously without interruption. While one bundle is being fed to the user machine, other bundles are already in position on the support plane, ensuring uninterrupted bar supply regardless of type changes needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for handling bars comprising a support plane (11) configured to support a plurality of bars (B) having an oblong development, and handling devices (24) configured to remove a bar (B) from a removal zone (15) of the support plane (11) and to deliver it to a delivery zone (16). Movement devices (17) are associated with the support plane (11) which are configured to distribute the bars (B) on the support plane (11) and to move them toward the removal zone (15).