Sliding Grip Arm Loading for Ordered Rod-Part Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wood processing machines for doors and windows require manual loading and unloading of parts, necessitating operator intervention and complex, space-consuming apparatuses that cannot automatically arrange parts in a specific order.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with sliding grip arms and actuators that can be directly associated with processing heads, allowing automatic loading and unloading of parts using existing machine axes, reducing space occupation and enabling automated part arrangement according to a preset order.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading and unloading operations are used, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but productivity is reduced and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect parts and automatically controls the gripper and conveyor to load and unload parts without human intervention. The control unit coordinates the entire operation based on sensor inputs, making the system self-sufficient for loading/unloading tasks
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated system comprising sensors, a control unit, and motorized components. The sensor-based detection and control unit coordination replace human operator actions with automated electronic control
2Ease of operation
If dedicated loading/unloading apparatus separated from the machine is used, then loading/unloading functionality is provided, but space occupation and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The loading and unloading apparatus is merged with the processing machine by integrating the gripper and conveyor directly into the machine structure. The gripper is positioned at the processing head and the conveyor is arranged within the machine, eliminating the need for separate external apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The processing machine's existing movement axes and structural components are utilized for loading and unloading operations in addition to their primary processing functions. The machine structure serves multiple purposes: processing, loading, and unloading
3Speed
If conveyor belts on carriages are used to move parts, then parts can be transported to loading positions, but the apparatus becomes more complex and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system is extracted from the carriages and integrated into the processing machine structure. The conveyor is arranged within the machine's processing area rather than being mounted on external carriages, reducing overall space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor is arranged in a compact configuration within the machine's three-dimensional space, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions efficiently. The conveyor path is optimized to fit within the machine's existing footprint rather than extending outward
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (10) for the automatic loading/unloading of parts (G,G',F) for a machine (11, 12) for processing rod-like elements. The apparatus (10) comprises: - a longitudinally extended guide (13), - at least one grip arm (14a, 14b) which is extended at right angles to the guide (13) and can slide along it, the at least one grip arm (14a, 14b) having a plurality of grippers (15) arranged along its axis of extension, - at least one carriage (21, 22) for the storage of the parts (G,G',F), with an axis of extension that is parallel to the axis of extension of the at least one arm (14a, 14b), the at least one carriage having a plurality of superimposed levels for the accommodation of the parts (G,G',F).