Ceramic Transfer Device with Decoupled Lift-Deposit Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer devices for ceramic pressed parts, such as roof tiles, lack flexibility in positioning and are limited by the geometry and displacement of pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, making it difficult to adapt to different moldings or numbers of molds, restricting their use in producing various brick models and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The device features independently decoupled drives for each lifting and depositing device, allowing free positioning along a predetermined path, with options including rotary drives, linear motors, and mechanical engagements, enabling flexible placement and movement without being restricted by other devices, and includes a support structure that can pivot and translate for adaptable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders are used to move the lifting and depositing device, then the device can be actuated, but the displacement is limited to a maximum possible cylinder stroke and the slides can only be moved symmetrically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders with a drive mechanism comprising a drive wheel, drive belt, and drive roller. This mechanical substitution allows for greater displacement range and asymmetric movement, resolving the limitation of maximum cylinder stroke while maintaining actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces independently decoupled drives for each lifting and depositing device, allowing dynamic adjustment of displacement range and positioning. This enables the system to adapt to different mold configurations and transport container distances, transforming the static, symmetric movement into dynamic, asymmetric movement with extended range.
2Measurement precision
If the lifting and depositing device is relocated using link guide and pneumatic-hydraulic systems with servo cylinders, then the device can be positioned, but the displacement is limited by cylinder stroke and high control and design effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex pneumatic-hydraulic servo cylinder systems with a simpler mechanical drive mechanism using drive wheels, belts, and rollers. This substitution maintains positioning capability while significantly reducing control complexity and design effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The independently decoupled drives allow each lifting and depositing device to be positioned autonomously along the support structure. The mechanical drive system self-adjusts to achieve proper positioning without requiring complex centralized control systems, reducing both control effort and design complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the transfer device uses fixed geometry and cylinder strokes, then the mechanism is simple, but reliable transfer with different transport container distances is only possible with high control and design effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed geometry into a dynamic system where the drive mechanism can adjust displacement range. The independently decoupled drives allow each lifting and depositing device to be positioned at different locations along the support structure, enabling adaptation to different transport container distances while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism with drive wheels, belts, and rollers serves multiple functions: it provides actuation, enables asymmetric movement, allows extended displacement range, and facilitates positioning at different locations. This universal mechanical system replaces multiple specialized components, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving versatility.
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
This solution enhances product flexibility by allowing precise control over pick-up and drop-off positions, enabling efficient transfer of ceramic moldings across different mold configurations and transport container distances, improving adaptability and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each lifting and depositing device has an individually controllable drive for displacement of the respective lifting and depositing device relative to the support structure
Implementation Method 2
The lifting and depositing device is usually formed by two or more pneumatic suction cups, which prevent the still soft ceramic molding from being damaged or deformed by the pneumatic gripping
Implementation Method 3
The lifting and depositing device is held by a support structure of the transfer device, which support structure can be pivoted from a receiving position into a delivery position
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device has two lift-and-deposit devices (21) which lift a press part formed by a press (1) from a drum (5) and deposit on a transport device. A carrier structure (13) is provided for holding the two lift-and-deposit devices. Carriage-rail guides are provided for the lift- and deposit devices for moving the lift- and deposit devices along a predetermined movement path relative to the carrier structure between a desired receiving position and an output position. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a press for ceramic intermediates with a thrust plate; and a press arrangement with a press part receiver.