Method for creating items of a pre-fixed area and aesthetic appearance and apparatus for implementing this method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing articles with a predetermined area and aesthetic appearance, such as those used in the motor vehicle sector, are costly and inefficient due to the need for multiple machines and manual alignment of references during punching, stitching, and cutting operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize three frames, each with a portion of material, to perform punching, stitching, and cutting operations in succession, with the same references maintained throughout the process, eliminating the need for manual alignment and reducing operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate machines are used for punching, stitching, and cutting operations, then each operation can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the production cost increases and productivity decreases due to manual alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines punching, stitching, and cutting operations into a single integrated machine with multiple operating heads. The frame serves as a common reference for all operations, eliminating the need for manual alignment between separate machines. This merging of operations reduces both manufacturing cost and improves productivity by streamlining the production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed with multi-functionality, performing punching, stitching, and cutting operations through different operating heads on the same frame. This universal machine replaces multiple specialized machines, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining high productivity through continuous operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment of references is performed between operations, then flexibility in operation sequencing is maintained, but time is lost during alignment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is pre-configured with predetermined references that automatically establish the correct positioning for all operating heads. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual alignment during operation sequencing, reducing alignment time to zero while maintaining full flexibility in the sequence of punching, stitching, and cutting operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If the same frame is used for all operations, then references are automatically maintained, but the complexity of the machine structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is segmented into multiple independent operating heads (punching head, stitching head, cutting head) that can be selectively activated. Each head is equipped with its own drive means, allowing independent control and sequencing. This segmentation manages complexity by making each component relatively simple while achieving high precision through their coordinated operation on the common frame.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for realising articles having a predetermined area and aesthetic appearance, which includes using frames (1A, 1B, 1C) to each of which a portion (P1, P2, P3) of material having a prevalent flat extension can be removably hooked, comprising, in order, following steps: - hooking a first portion (P1) of the material to a first frame (1A); - carrying out, on the first portion (P1) hooked to the first frame, punching (G1) and stitching (G2) operations; - carrying out, on the first portion (P1) hooked to the first frame (1A), cutting operations (G3) for defining a corresponding article (A) having predetermined area and aesthetic appearance defined by the combination of the profile of the article and by the mutual arrangement of the punching (G1) and the stitching (G2); - releasing the article (A), and relative scrap (Z), from the first frame (1A). An apparatus for carrying out the method is also proposed.