Bar Supply Work Plane for Fast Bundle Changeover
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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, requiring dedicated structures and operator intervention to move and position bars of different types, and inefficiently manage cut segments for re-use.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a work plane and removal device that positions bundles of bars above the plane, using movement means to deliver or remove bars to a destination station, eliminating the need for bridge cranes and optimizing storage and discharge 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 system becomes complex and time-consuming with machine downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bar transfer function from complex bridge cranes and dedicated structures, replacing it with a simple pusher mechanism that directly pushes bars from the store container onto the work surface, eliminating the need for elaborate transfer structures
Solution Approach 2:
The store container is designed with a front opening that allows bars to be accessed and pushed out directly onto the work surface, enabling the system to serve itself without external cranes or complex intervention mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If operators manually guide and position bar movements from store to work surface, then bars can be correctly positioned, but the process becomes time-consuming and causes machine downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher mechanism automatically positions bars onto the work surface by direct pushing action, eliminating the need for operator intervention while maintaining accurate positioning through the mechanical design of the pusher and work surface interface
Solution Approach 2:
The direct push mechanism enables continuous bar transfer without interruption, allowing the downstream machine to operate continuously without downtimes associated with manual bar replacement operations
3Productivity
If cut segments are not collected or stored in an optimized way, then the system is simpler, but re-use of segments becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cut segment collection function with the existing work surface and pusher mechanism, using the same structures to both supply bars and collect segments, thereby achieving efficient segment re-use without adding complex dedicated storage systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically collect and retain cut segments on the work surface for potential re-use, transforming what would be waste material into recoverable resources through the integrated pusher mechanism that can handle both bar delivery and segment collection
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus to supply bars (B) comprising a work plane (11) on which to position a bundle (F1-F6) of said bars (B) and a removal device (15) configured to remove at least one bar (B) from said work plane (11) in order to transfer it to a destination station (16). The supply apparatus comprises a plurality of containing units (22a-22f; 122) each configured to house a respective bundle (F1-F6) of a determinate type of bar (B).