Ceramic Article Handling Machine With Grooved Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for re-arranging ceramic articles are inefficient, risky, and labor-intensive, often resulting in damage due to manual handling and complex systems, and previous solutions like grooved supports and lifting clamps face precision and economic drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A handling method and machine that re-arranges ceramic articles by using a moving device with a holding head and support structure featuring recesses to pick up and re-arrange ceramic articles independently, allowing for horizontal or vertical placement without straps, reducing the risk of damage and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling procedures are used to re-arrange ceramic articles, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but the process becomes long, inefficient, and risky for the ceramic articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a grooved support as an intermediary element between the ceramic articles and the handling system. This grooved support serves as a mediator that enables precise positioning and stable handling of multiple ceramic articles simultaneously, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining reliability by preventing direct contact that could cause damage
2Extent of automation
If lifting clamps with horizontal hold are used to pick up ceramic articles, then automation is improved, but sufficient free space around the articles is needed which complicates the storage structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal holding (requiring lateral space) to vertical holding by inserting the grooved support between layers of ceramic articles. This dimensional change allows the holding device to grip articles from above without requiring lateral clearance, thereby maintaining automation while simplifying the storage structure arrangement
3Manufacturing precision
If grooved support is inserted between layers of ceramic articles, then picking precision is improved, but the grooved support is totally surrounded by articles making detection impossible without additional devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual markers (color changes or reflective elements) on the grooved support to enable its detection by optical sensors. This allows the system to locate the precise position of the grooved support and the grooves without requiring physical contact or additional complex detection devices, thereby maintaining precision while avoiding increased system complexity
4Manufacturing precision
If tines are inserted into grooves of grooved support to lift ceramic articles, then handling precision is improved, but the grooves position must be known with precision which increases picking time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the grooved support with pre-defined groove locations before the picking operation begins. The visual markers on the grooved support allow the system to pre-identify the exact positions of the grooves, eliminating the need for real-time search and adjustment during picking. This preliminary positioning maintains high precision while reducing picking time
Data Source
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AI summary
Handling method and machine (6) to re-arrange ceramic articles (2); the handling machine (6) comprises: a first moving device (27) to pick up and move at least part of the ceramic articles (2) from a first support structure (5) to a splitting-up station (28); a support (29) comprising a base portion (32), a plurality of projections (33) and a plurality of recesses (34); and a second moving device (30) to transfer such ceramic articles (2) from the splitting-up station (28) to an output station (31) and place them on a second support structure (8) according to a second given arrangement so as to obtain a modified group (MG) of ceramic articles (2).