Electromagnetic Gripping Element for Plate Workpiece Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing workpiece parts from a residual grid of plate-shaped materials are inefficient, often requiring manual handling and additional tools, especially for thicker materials, and lack a reliable and flexible solution for gripping and sorting.

Innovation Solution

A handling device with a housing, handle, and gripping element, powered by an accumulator, featuring either an electromagnet or suction gripper, allowing for easy activation and deactivation of the gripping mechanism, along with a control element and optional camera or data interface for automated data capture and sorting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual handling and additional hand tools are used to remove workpiece parts from residual grid, then workpiece parts can be removed from thicker plate-like materials, but the removal process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece removal efficiencyVSAvoidtime for removing workpiece parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an electromagnetic gripping system. The electromagnet in the gripping element generates magnetic fields to hold and transport workpiece parts automatically, eliminating the need for manual handling and additional hand tools, thereby significantly improving removal efficiency and reducing time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The handling device is designed to autonomously grip, lift, and transport workpiece parts from the residual grid without requiring continuous manual intervention. The electromagnet automatically activates to grip the workpiece, transports it to the designated location, and releases it, enabling the system to serve itself in the workpiece removal process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If electromagnetic gripping element is used to hold workpiece parts, then gripping and release becomes simple and safe, but energy consumption increases due to continuous power supply requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping and release operationVSAvoidenergy consumption of electromagnet
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnet operates periodically rather than continuously - it is activated only when a workpiece needs to be gripped and transported, and deactivated when no workpiece is present. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining simple and safe gripping/release functionality when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit monitors the presence and position of workpiece parts and activates the electromagnet only when necessary. This feedback-controlled operation ensures the electromagnet consumes energy only during actual gripping and transport operations, optimizing energy usage while maintaining operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gripping elements are provided on the handle, then adaptability to different sizes of workpiece parts is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different workpiece sizesVSAvoidnumber of gripping elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping element is divided into multiple independent electromagnetic segments arranged on the handle. Each segment can independently activate to grip workpiece parts of different sizes and shapes, providing adaptability without requiring a completely different device for each workpiece type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple gripping elements on the single handle serve universal purposes - they can grip various sizes and types of workpiece parts using the same electromagnetic mechanism. This multi-functional design achieves adaptability to different workpiece sizes while maintaining relatively simple device structure compared to having multiple separate tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates safe and efficient removal and sorting of workpiece parts from a residual grid, enabling easy adaptation to different sizes and types of materials, with flexible energy supply and reduced manual effort, enhancing production efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the gripping element (16) comprises at least one electromagnet (24)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The gripping element can be easily activated to hold a workpiece part by applying current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

a holding force is generated by applying a vacuum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 4

the gripping element is designed as a suction gripper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 5

an accumulator (17) which supplies the gripping element (16) with energy for gripping the workpiece part (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical accumulator: Electrical Accumulator

Data Source

PatentEP3957442B1Handling device and method for removing a workpiece part produced from a plate-shaped material by means of cutting
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 TRUMPF SCHWEIZ AG
  • EP3957442B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3957442B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3957442B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Handling device and method for removing workpiece parts produced from a sheet-shaped material by machining, comprising a housing (12) which includes at least one handle (14), a gripping element arranged at the lower end of the handle, a gripping surface (21) arranged on an end face of the gripping element (16) which is designed to bear against the workpiece part (22) to be gripped, an accumulator (17) arranged on the housing (12) which supplies the gripping element (16) with energy, and an operating element (26) for activating and deactivating the gripping element (16). (See Figure 1)