Bar Processing Machine Dual Feeding Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for processing bars made of aluminum, light alloys, or PVC are limited by single feeding devices, restricting flexibility and versatility, allowing only specific bar shapes and simultaneous processing of one bar at a time.

Innovation Solution

The machine incorporates two independent feeding devices with movable rollers and sliding mechanisms, enabling the simultaneous handling of multiple bars, different types, and flexible feeding paths through a portal-shaped base with multiple support surfaces and processing stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single feeding device is used, then the machine structure is simple, but the flexibility and versatility are restricted and only one bar can be fed at a time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and versatilityVSAvoidmachine structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding device is divided into two independent feeding devices (21, 29), each capable of independently feeding bars. This segmentation allows simultaneous feeding of multiple bars while maintaining the simplicity of individual feeding mechanisms, thus improving versatility without excessive complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each feeding device is designed with universal characteristics to handle different bar shapes and sizes. The feeding devices can adapt to various bar configurations through adjustable clamping mechanisms and movable rollers, enabling one feeding device structure to perform multiple functions for different bar types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a single feeding device is used, then the machine is simple to operate, but simultaneous processing of multiple bars is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous processing capabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the feeding system into two independent feeding devices, each can operate autonomously to feed bars simultaneously through the processing station. This allows multiple bars to be processed at the same time while each feeding device maintains simple operational characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two feeding devices are equipped with independent operating devices (23 for device 21, and a similar device for device 29) that can operate independently. Each feeding device serves itself to feed bars without requiring complex coordinated control, enabling simultaneous operation while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If movable rollers are added to the support devices, then the machine can handle diverse bar shapes, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle diverse bar shapesVSAvoidroller support device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rollers in both support devices are made movable rather than fixed. The lower rollers (7) can move vertically between operating and rest positions, and the side rollers (11) can move horizontally. This dynamic capability allows the support devices to adapt to various bar shapes and sizes while the movement mechanisms remain relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position parameters of the rollers are made variable to accommodate different bar configurations. The lower rollers can change their vertical position, and the side rollers can change their horizontal position, allowing the support devices to handle diverse bar shapes without requiring complex reconfiguration mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3167969B1Machine to process bars made of aluminium, light alloys, PVC or the like
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 FOM INDUSTRIE SRL
  • EP3167969B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3167969B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3167969B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method and machine for processing bars (2) of aluminium, light alloys, PVC or the like, according to which the bars (2) are fed along an elongated base (3) and through at least one processing station (14) to process and/or cut the bars (2) by means of two feeding devices (21, 29) simultaneously provided in the machine to operate in an alternative manner to one other.