Automated Batten Manufacturing Machine with Spacer Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of ventilated battens, which require a space between longitudinal elements for ventilation and can be transformed into firesafe battens by adding a fire stopper, is currently time-consuming and costly, with high standard deviation in quality and a risk of occupational accidents.
Innovation Solution
An automated machine is designed to assemble battens by supporting and arranging longitudinal elements in parallel, using a spacer device to maintain a defined distance between them, and a securing device to fix the spacer element, allowing for efficient production of ventilated and firesafe battens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual assembly methods are used to manufacture ventilated battens, then flexibility in handling different batten types is maintained, but production time increases and quality consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly with an automated machine system that uses mechanical feeders, conveyors, and positioning mechanisms to assemble ventilated battens. The machine automatically feeds longitudinal elements and spacer elements, positions them precisely, and secures them together, eliminating manual labor while maintaining high quality consistency through repeatable mechanical processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed to automatically perform all assembly operations without human intervention. The feeders self-feed materials, the positioning system self-adjusts to maintain precise spacing, and the securing mechanism self-activates to fasten components. This self-service capability enables continuous production with consistent quality output.
2Productivity
If automated assembly is implemented, then productivity and quality consistency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated assembly machine is divided into distinct functional modules: a feeder system for supplying longitudinal and spacer elements, a positioning system for maintaining precise spacing, and a securing system for fastening components. Each module operates independently but coordinates with others, allowing the complex assembly task to be broken down into manageable segments that can be optimized separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed with universal components that can handle both ventilated battens and firesafe battens. The feeder system can accommodate different element types, the positioning system maintains consistent spacing regardless of batten variant, and the securing mechanism works for both applications. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by avoiding the need for separate dedicated machines.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual handling of longitudinal elements is performed, then equipment cost is reduced, but occupational accident risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual handling of longitudinal elements with automated mechanical feeders and conveyors that transport and position elements. This eliminates direct human contact with heavy or sharp components, removing the risk of occupational accidents associated with manual lifting, positioning, and securing of batten elements while keeping equipment costs moderate through the use of standard automated components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is related to a machine for manufacturing of a ventilated batten comprising a first and a second longitudinal element having a distance between each other so that a space is provided for ventilation through the ventilated batten. The machine comprises a support arrangement for supporting the first and the second longitudinal element and so that they are arranged in parallel, a spacer device for holding the first and second longitudinal elements with a distance from each other, the spacer device comprises a spacer head moveable at least partly into the space between the first and second longitudinal elements for holding the space, the distance corresponding to the space, and a securing device for securing a spacer element into the first and second longitudinal elements so that the space is secured and maintained by the spacer element.