Elongate Workpiece Feeding via Gap Creation and Stop Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for feeding elongate workpieces, such as wood or plastic, into a processing system face challenges in achieving high numbers of cycles without complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that assemble elongate workpieces into a string, where individual workpieces are removed and accelerated in a discharge region to create a gap, allowing a stop to prevent further string movement until the next workpiece is ready for discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workpieces are fed continuously into the discharge region, then productivity is improved, but the risk of workpiece collisions and loss of control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous feed of workpieces is segmented into individual units by introducing stops that create gaps between workpieces in the string. This segmentation allows each workpiece to be controlled and discharged independently, preventing collisions while maintaining continuous operation. The stop divides the workpiece string into manageable segments that can be processed one at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop is positioned and activated in advance before the workpiece reaches the discharge region. This preliminary action ensures that the workpiece is properly spaced and positioned before discharge, preventing collisions with previously discharged workpieces and ensuring reliable control throughout the feeding process.
2Productivity
If workpieces are accelerated in the discharge region, then the number of cycles is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device in the discharge region is designed to accelerate workpieces dynamically rather than maintaining constant high speed throughout the entire system. This allows workpieces to be accelerated only when and where needed to achieve the desired discharge rate, optimizing productivity while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during feeding and positioning phases.
3Manufacturing precision
If a stop is introduced to prevent string movement, then workpiece spacing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop function is extracted as a separate, movable component that can be independently controlled. This allows the stop to be positioned and moved only when needed to create gaps between workpieces, rather than requiring the entire feeding system to be complex and continuously adjustable. The simple movable stop design achieves precise spacing without overwhelming system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Elongate workpieces are transported in a transport direction and assembled to a string in the transport direction. A leading elongate workpiece is removed from the string and accelerated in a downstream discharge device such that a gap is formed between the leading elongate workpiece and a following elongate workpiece of the string. A stop is moved into the gap and prevents the following elongate workpiece of the string from being transported farther. The stop is removed when the leading elongate workpiece has left the discharge device and then the following elongate workpiece is removed from the string.