Conductive Workpiece Holding for Separation Check in Part Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual and automated removal of workpiece parts from remaining workpieces during processes like metal sheet stamping or cutting is challenging due to misalignment and potential electrical conductivity issues, leading to production interruptions and damage.
Innovation Solution
A holding apparatus with electrically conductive contact elements that check for complete separation and fixation of workpiece parts using resistance measurements between contact elements and a reference potential, ensuring reliable removal by determining electrical resistance to verify separation and fixation states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated removal of workpiece parts is performed, then productivity increases, but reliability decreases due to misalignment and incomplete separation detection
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus performs preliminary detection checks before the actual removal operation to verify complete separation of the workpiece part from the remaining workpiece. This preliminary action prevents misalignment and ensures reliable automated removal by detecting separation status in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor apparatus provides real-time feedback during the removal process by continuously monitoring the electrical resistance between contact elements. This feedback mechanism allows the automated system to detect separation status and adjust operations accordingly, ensuring both high productivity and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If resistance measurement is performed between contact elements to detect separation, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation detection mechanisms with an electrical resistance measurement system. By using electrically conductive contact elements and measuring electrical resistance, the system achieves precise separation detection with simpler device architecture compared to mechanical sensors.
3Measurement precision
If multiple contact elements are used for resistance measurement, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact elements serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for the workpiece part and simultaneously function as sensor elements for electrical resistance measurement. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision, as the same components perform both holding and detection tasks.
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 process reliability by accurately checking for complete separation and fixation, preventing misalignment and damage, and ensuring safe removal of workpiece parts from remaining workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor apparatus can be provided which makes use of the contact elements to check in a first check state complete separation of the workpiece part from the remaining workpiece and to check in a second check state whether the workpiece part is fixed to the holding apparatus
Implementation Method 2
The holding elements are suction grippers
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for removing a workpiece part from a remaining workpiece, comprise a holding apparatus that is moveable in a removal direction and switchable between a fixing state for fixing the workpiece part to the holding apparatus and a release state for releasing the workpiece part from the holding apparatus. The holding apparatus has at least one electrically conductive first contact element for contacting the workpiece part at one or more first contact points and at least one electrically conductive second contact element for contacting the workpiece part at one or more second contact points. The device also has a sensor apparatus that uses the contact elements to check, in a first check state, the complete separation of the workpiece part from the remaining workpiece and to check, in a second check state, fixing of the workpiece part to the holding apparatus being in the fixing state.