Programmable Brick Layer Laying Control for Fast Changeovers

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laying devices for handling layers of shaped bricks are inflexible and require time-consuming conversion or adaptation to different processes or requirements, lacking the ability to easily adjust to varying brick configurations.

Innovation Solution

A laying device equipped with a digital data processing device connected to electrical control valves, allowing for the storage and selection of customizable programs that control the gripping, alignment, and pressing mechanisms, enabling quick adaptation to different brick layers without the need for mechanical reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a cam control device with fixed sequence is used, then precise control of the laying device is achieved, but adaptability to different brick configurations is poor and conversion is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different brick configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cam control device with an electrical control system. The cam control device with fixed sequence is substituted by an electrical control device that can execute different control sequences electronically, allowing precise control while enabling easy adaptation to different brick configurations through software programming rather than mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from fixed mechanical cam sequences to programmable electrical control sequences. By using an electrical control device with stored control sequences, the system can switch between different brick handling configurations by changing the electrical control parameters rather than physically reconfiguring the mechanical cam system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a cam control device with fixed sequence is used, then a defined sequence of process steps is provided, but conversion to different process sequences is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefined process sequenceVSAvoidconversion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cam control device with an electrical control system. The cam control device with fixed sequence is substituted by an electrical control device that can execute different control sequences electronically, allowing precise control while enabling easy adaptation to different brick configurations through software programming rather than mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the control sequence dynamic and changeable. Instead of a fixed mechanical cam sequence, the electrical control device can store and switch between multiple control sequences, allowing the process steps to be dynamically adjusted based on different brick configurations without time-consuming physical conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical reconfiguration is used for different brick layers, then the laying device can be adapted, but handling time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different brick layersVSAvoidhandling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cam control device with an electrical control system. The cam control device with fixed sequence is substituted by an electrical control device that can execute different control sequences electronically, allowing precise control while enabling easy adaptation to different brick configurations through software programming rather than mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent stores multiple control sequences in advance in the electrical control device. Different brick layer configurations have their control sequences pre-programmed, so when a different brick type needs to be handled, the appropriate pre-stored sequence can be quickly selected and executed without time-consuming mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates flexible operation of the laying device for various brick configurations, reducing handling time and simplifying the conversion process by allowing program selection to match specific brick arrangements, thus enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic circuit (42) is provided, in which a gripping cylinder (20), an alignment cylinder (21) and a pressing cylinder (26) are actuated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure transmission: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentEP4656803A1Method for operating a laying device and laying device

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 PROBST GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a laying device (11) for handling a layer of shaped bricks (63), which comprises several shaped bricks (65) arranged in rows, and a laying device (11), wherein a control device (31) is provided which includes a digital data processing device (33) in which at least one program (46) for handling the layer of shaped bricks (63) is stored and which is called up to control the laying device (11) before handling the layer of shaped bricks (63).