Cartesian Handling System for Heavy Metal Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current loading/unloading systems for cutting centers, particularly those using Cartesian mechanical hands, face inefficiencies in handling large and heavy metal sheets, as they often require multiple suction cups for lifting, which increases bulk, and struggle with orientation changes when lifting heavy pieces, leading to incomplete cuts and manual separation of off-cuts.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a pair of rails with movable Cartesian mechanical hands along orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z, equipped with electro-magnetic pick-up heads and interchangeable suction-cup devices, allowing for synchronized movement and flexible tool changes to handle varying sheet sizes and weights, including the use of magnetic and suction-cup devices for efficient lifting and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a large number of small vacuum cups are used to lift thick metal sheets, then adequate lifting force is achieved, but the bulk and complexity of the suction loading system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vacuum cups into a single integrated suction loading system with a unified structure. Instead of using many separate small vacuum cups, the invention merges them into one coordinated system that achieves the required lifting force while reducing overall complexity and improving control efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If Cartesian mechanical hands are used for handling sheets, then positioning precision is improved, but the ability to handle varying sheet weights and orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability in the Cartesian mechanical hands by enabling them to adjust their operational parameters based on the specific sheet being handled. The system can dynamically modify gripping force, positioning speed, and orientation adjustments to accommodate varying sheet weights and orientations while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The Cartesian mechanical hands are designed with multi-functionality to handle various sheet types, weights, and orientations using the same positioning system. The hands can switch between different operational modes and adjust their parameters to universally handle different work conditions without sacrificing positioning precision.
3Ease of operation
If cut-in sheet is not fully disassembled into individual components, then forklift operation is simplified, but manual separation of off-cuts is required increasing cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the cut-in sheet to be automatically separated into individual components through the coordinated action of the Cartesian mechanical hands and suction loading system. The equipment performs the separation task itself without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating the time loss and cost associated with manual off-cut separation while maintaining forklift operation simplicity.
4Force
If a single sturdy mechanical hand is used to lift heavy sheets, then lifting capability is sufficient, but the system lacks flexibility for orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lifting function into multiple coordinated mechanical hands instead of using a single sturdy hand. This segmentation allows each hand to contribute to the lifting force while providing collective flexibility for orientation changes. The distributed structure enables independent movement of each hand, facilitating complex orientation adjustments while maintaining sufficient lifting capability.
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
Enables efficient loading and unloading of heavy metal sheets with improved productivity, reducing manual handling and incomplete cuts by providing adequate lifting force and flexibility in orientation, allowing continuous unmanned operation with precise control and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
equipped with electro-magnetic pick-up heads and interchangeable suction-cup devices
Implementation Method 2
a suction loading system which consists of a large number of small vacuum cups
Data Source
AI summary
A system for loading/unloading sheets is disclosed, some of which also being of metal, and handling method thereof, serving a laser cutting centre. The system comprises a pair of rails (1, 2), supported at a preset height above a feeding tray (T) of the cutting centre, whereon at least one Cartesian robotized hand is movably mounted, capable of moving along horizontal axes X and Y as well as along a vertical axis Z, mutually orthogonal, and comprising at least two bridge cranes (3, 4) sliding along said rails (1, 2) each of which supports at least one pair of robotized hands (5-8), and said robotized hands (5-8) have an electromagnetic pick-up head which may be coupled with a suction-cup device (103). Feeding tray (T) consists of bars whereon small tesserae (204) of ceramic material are fitted.