Bridge Conveyor Part Removal for Faster Laser Cutting Unload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automation solutions for handling parts in metalworking industries, such as laser cutting, are inefficient due to the need for manual intervention and complex, costly robotic systems that increase cycle time and system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A removal system comprising a transportation unit with a bridge movement system and independent conveyor belts, controlled by a central unit, allowing for automated and precise handling and removal of parts, optimizing processing time and reducing downtime.
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 removal system is divided into multiple independent removal units, each equipped with its own conveyor belt and control system. These modular units can independently handle different regions of the transport table, eliminating the need for a single complex multi-axis robot to cover the entire area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single stationary robot operating in three-dimensional space with multiple axes to a planar arrangement of multiple removal units with conveyor belts that operate on the transport table surface, reducing the need for complex vertical and rotational movements.
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 size and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The total removal task is segmented across multiple lightweight removal units distributed on the transport table. Each unit handles a local region with minimal weight and moment requirements, rather than requiring a single heavy robot to service the entire table.
Solution Approach 2:
Conveyor belts are introduced as intermediary elements between the removal units and the final destination. These belts transfer parts over distance without requiring the removal units themselves to have high payload capacity or moment capability, as the conveyor belts bear the transport load.
3Device complexity
If manual loading and unloading is used, then system complexity is reduced, but cycle time increases due to time-consuming manual material handling
Solution Approach 1:
The removal units with conveyor belts operate autonomously to unload parts from the transport table without requiring manual intervention. The system services itself by automatically detecting and removing processed parts, eliminating the time loss associated with manual handling while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Data Source
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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 a 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.