Fork-like Discharge Device for Panel Sawing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel dividing systems face inefficiencies in material handling, particularly in the removal of workpiece parts and waste pieces from the sawing line, leading to downtime and disruptions due to the limitations of traditional vacuum grippers in handling narrow pieces and the risk of waste falling into the cutting gap.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fork-like removal device with fingers that can move across the sawing line to efficiently pick up and transport workpiece parts and waste pieces, utilizing groove-shaped channels in the workpiece support table and waste flap, and complemented by additional conveying devices like robots and conveyors for enhanced material handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum grippers are used to remove workpiece parts and waste pieces, then the removal process can be automated, but narrow workpiece parts and scrap pieces cannot be reliably picked up and may fall into the cutting gap
Solution Approach 1:
The removal device is segmented into multiple fingers (at least three fingers) that can individually adapt to different workpiece geometries. Each finger acts as an independent element that can be positioned to securely hold narrow workpiece parts and scrap pieces, preventing them from falling into the cutting gap while maintaining reliable automated removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point vacuum grip to a multi-finger mechanical structure that operates in multiple dimensions. The fingers can move in the longitudinal direction of the saw line and vertically, providing spatial adaptability to accommodate narrow pieces and prevent them from falling into the cutting gap, thereby enhancing both reliability and versatility.
2Reliability
If the removal device operates slowly to ensure reliable pickup, then narrow pieces are securely handled, but saw downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fingers are positioned in advance in the feed area before the sawing operation begins. This preliminary positioning allows the removal device to be ready for immediate action, enabling quick and reliable pickup of narrow pieces without causing saw downtime, thus maintaining high productivity while ensuring secure handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal device operates continuously alongside the sawing process, with fingers that can quickly engage and remove workpiece parts and scrap pieces. This continuous operation eliminates interruptions and maintains saw line efficiency while ensuring narrow pieces are securely handled through the multi-finger mechanism.
3Reliability
If the fingers extend far under the workpiece part to ensure secure pickup, then narrow pieces are reliably held, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fork-like discharge device with multiple fingers serves multiple functions: it removes workpiece parts, handles narrow scrap pieces, prevents them from falling into the cutting gap, and can operate in coordination with the sawing process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized devices, thereby managing complexity while enhancing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingers are designed to automatically position themselves and engage with workpiece parts and scrap pieces during the sawing process. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex control mechanisms and manual intervention, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable pickup of narrow pieces through the inherent mechanical design.
Data Source
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AI summary
Panel dividing system (1) for sawing at least one workpiece (2) with a saw (4) movable along a saw line (3) and a workpiece support table (5), wherein the panel dividing system (1), viewed in a main transport direction (6), has a feed area (7) in front of the saw line (3) and a discharge area (8) behind the saw line (3), wherein a fork-like discharge device (9) for the removal of at least one workpiece part (10) and/or waste piece (11) is arranged in the discharge area (8) and the fork-like discharge device (9) is movable towards and away from the saw line (3) and in directions (12) parallel to the vertical and has a plurality of fingers (13) arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other and wherein groove-shaped channels (14) for the fingers (13) are arranged in the workpiece support table (5) in the discharge area (8), wherein the fingers (13) are in the groove-shaped channels (14) from the discharge area (8),crossing the saw line (3), until they can be moved into the feed area (7).