Blank Centering Conveyor with Lifting Bars for Hot Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot forming production lines face limitations in efficiently centering and positioning blanks exiting the furnace due to dimensional constraints, which restrict the number of blanks that can be processed simultaneously and require wider furnaces, leading to increased costs and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A centering system comprising adjustable lifting bars and centering pins that allow independent movement of blanks along perpendicular axes, enabling increased spacing between blanks and adaptable positioning to accommodate different shapes and dimensions, thereby overcoming dimensional limitations and maintaining accurate alignment for hot forming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the furnace width is increased to accommodate more blanks processed simultaneously, then the processing capacity is improved, but the cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic centering system where blanks can be independently positioned and adjusted along the conveyor line. This allows the system to adapt the spacing and positioning of blanks dynamically, enabling efficient use of furnace space without requiring a wider furnace, thus maintaining productivity while avoiding increased energy consumption associated with larger equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces additional degrees of freedom in positioning by allowing independent movement of blanks along the conveyor in multiple directions. This dimensional flexibility enables optimal arrangement of blanks within the existing furnace width, maximizing processing capacity without expanding the furnace dimensions and associated energy costs.
2Productivity
If the furnace width is increased to accommodate more blanks processed simultaneously, then the processing capacity is improved, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic positioning system allows flexible arrangement of blanks within the existing furnace width, maximizing the number of blanks that can be processed simultaneously without requiring costly furnace expansion. The system adapts to different blank configurations and optimizes space utilization through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameters of blanks independently along the conveyor, allowing optimization of blank arrangement to fit more blanks within the existing furnace dimensions. This parameter adjustment capability enables increased processing capacity without the capital expenditure of expanding furnace width.
3Productivity
If blanks are conveyed on dirty conveyor sections, then the conveyor operation is maintained, but the blanks become dirty affecting quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary centering and positioning of blanks on clean sections of the conveyor before they enter the furnace. By establishing proper positioning in advance on clean areas, the blanks are protected from contamination even when passing through or near dirty conveyor sections, maintaining both operational continuity and product quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering system acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers blanks from potentially contaminated conveyor sections to clean positioning areas. This intermediary function allows the conveyor to continue operating without interruption while protecting the blanks from dirt and contamination through controlled repositioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A centering system comprising a conveyor for receiving a plurality of blanks outputted from a furnace and displacing the blanks along a first horizontal axis and shifting units for each individual blank including two or more adjustable lifting bars, the shifting units configured to move along a second horizontal axis, and the adjustable lifting bars being configured to lift the blanks along a vertical axis, wherein each of the shifting units is independently movable along the second axis, and a plurality of centering pins for centering the blanks, such that the blanks can be centered by moving the individual blanks along the second axis against the centering pins. Also disclosed are conveyor systems and methods for centering and conveying blanks.