Bridge Conveyor Part Removal for Faster Cut Sheet Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automation solutions for handling parts in metalworking industries, such as laser cutting systems, are inefficient due to the need for manual material handling and the complexity and cost of stationary robot systems, which increase overall cycle time and system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A removal system featuring a bridge movement system, parts conveyor system, and control unit that enables automated and precise handling of parts, allowing for reduced cycle time and optimized processing system operation by integrating a gripping system and conveyor belts to manage and transport parts efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If stationary robot solutions are used to unload parts, then automation is improved, but device complexity and costs increase due to requiring 6-axis robots with multiple axes to cover all areas of the transport table
Solution Approach 1:
The transport table is divided into multiple selectable areas (first area, second area, third area, fourth area) that can be independently chosen for part removal. The bridge movement system can position the parts conveyor system over different segments of the table, allowing automated removal without requiring a single complex robot to cover the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge movement system provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the parts conveyor system to move to different locations on the transport table as needed. This replaces the static, fixed-position robot systems with a mobile, adaptable system that achieves full coverage through motion rather than multiple fixed units.
2Extent of automation
If stationary robot solutions are used to unload parts, then automation is improved, but the plant must be designed for higher moments of the robots, increasing system complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge movement system acts as an intermediary between the transport table and the parts conveyor system. It provides the positioning and support functions that would otherwise require heavy-duty stationary robots, allowing the use of lighter, more cost-effective conveyor and gripping equipment while still achieving automated part removal across the entire table surface.
3Device complexity
If manual loading and unloading is used, then system complexity is reduced, but the overall cycle time of the processing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated self-service for part removal through the bridge movement system and parts conveyor system. The system can automatically position the conveyor over different areas of the transport table and remove parts without human intervention, maintaining simplicity while eliminating the time loss associated with manual handling.
4Extent of automation
If stationary robot solutions are used, then automation is improved, but the effort for adapting the robot solutions to new products increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge movement system enables dynamic repositioning of the parts conveyor system to accommodate different workpiece layouts and part locations. This adaptability allows the same automated system to handle various products and cutting patterns without requiring reconfiguration of complex multi-axis robots, simply by programming different positions on the transport table.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a removal system and a method for removing parts processed in a processing system (200). The removal system is designed for engagement with a transportation unit (110) which is used for intermediate storage and/or transportation of a workpiece processed with the processing system (200), the processed workpiece comprising the parts to be removed. The removal system comprises a bridge movement system (120) which extends with its central longitudinal axis transversely to the longitudinal axis of the transportation unit (110) and can be moved axially in the longitudinal axis of the transportation unit (110). In addition, the removal system comprises a first parts conveyor system, which is arranged on the bridge movement system (120) and extends substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the bridge movement system. Finally, the removal system comprises control unit which communicates with the transportation unit, the bridge movement system and the first parts conveyor system and provides control commands for the transportation unit, the bridge movement system and the parts conveyor system.