Beam-Cut Part Handling Table With Movable Ribs to Prevent Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for handling beam-cut parts cut out of material using beam cutting technologies are inefficient and often result in mechanical locking issues between parts and the remaining material, hindering the production process.

Innovation Solution

A table with a raster structure and a rib structure that allows for the horizontal holding and vertical lifting of beam-cut parts, featuring movable ribs that can be grouped and magnetized, with the ability to scrape off slag, to improve handling and minimize mechanical locking effects, combined with a gripping robot for precise manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional handling methods are used for beam-cut parts, then the handling process is simple, but mechanical locking effects occur between parts and remainder of material causing inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical locking effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the handling system into segmented functional zones: a raster structure with multiple raster sections for supporting different parts of the material, and a rib structure with multiple ribs that can independently interact with different sections. This segmentation allows selective lifting and handling of cut parts without affecting other areas, thereby preventing mechanical locking between parts and remainder material while improving handling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a rigid holding structure is used for beam-cut parts, then the parts are securely held, but mechanical locking effects increase and handling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding stabilityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs dynamic elements including movable ribs that can be positioned and repositioned, and a rib structure capable of vertical movement relative to the raster sections. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different handling requirements: providing secure holding when needed while enabling easy separation and movement when required, thus resolving the contradiction between holding stability and handling ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the rib structure is stationary, then the structure is simple, but the ability to lift and separate parts is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepart separation efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rib structure is designed with vertical movement capability relative to the raster sections, enabling active lifting of cut parts. This dynamic feature, while adding structural complexity, significantly enhances part separation efficiency and handling productivity by allowing controlled vertical displacement to separate parts from the remainder material without requiring complex external lifting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If mechanical locking effects are present, then parts are held in position, but the handling process becomes inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepart positioning accuracyVSAvoidhandling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the cutting function from the handling function by using a separate rib structure that can lift and remove cut parts from the raster structure. This separation allows the raster structure to maintain precise positioning of the material during cutting, while the rib structure independently handles the removal and separation of cut parts, thereby eliminating mechanical locking effects and reducing handling time without compromising positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the efficiency of handling beam-cut parts by minimizing mechanical locking and allowing for precise movement and separation, improving the overall production process by enabling easier handling and separation of beam-cut pieces.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the plurality of ribs is configured to be magnetized and become magnetic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4052837B1A table for holding a beam-cut piece of material, a system for handling beam-cut parts with such table ; method of handling beam-cut parts
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 TOMOLOGIC
  • EP4052837B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4052837B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4052837B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A table (122) for holding a beam-cut piece of material (204) including at least one beam-cut part (202). The table (122) comprises a holder (114) holding a raster structure (120) configured to hold the beam-cut piece of material (204). The raster structure (120) comprises raster sections (802) comprising parallel members (804). The table (122) comprises a movable rib structure (902). The rib structure (902) comprises ribs (904). At least one of the ribs (904) is movable between two neighbouring members (804). The rib structure (902) lifts the at least one part (202), or the beam-cut piece of material (204), or a section (208) of the beam-cut piece of material including at least one part of the beam-cut piece of material, or a remainder (206) of the beam-cut piece of material from a resting position on the raster section (802). The rib structure (904) holds the at least one part (202), or the beam-cut piece of material (204), or the section (208) of the beam-cut piece of material, or the remainder (206) of the beam-cut piece of material.