Gripper Carriage Alignment for Sheet Punching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet punching and embossing machines have a limited time window for sheet alignment and transfer, leading to imprecise alignment and registration issues during the processing of sheets in sheet punching and embossing machines.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using intermittently circulating gripper carriages with pivoting gripper levers and displaceable gripper supports to create a larger time window for sheet alignment by allowing the grippers to open and retract before reaching the sheet transfer point, enabling precise alignment and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the gripper carriage reaches the sheet transfer point quickly to enable continuous work, then productivity is improved, but the time window for sheet alignment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper support is retracted in advance before the gripper reaches the sheet transfer point, creating提前 time for sheet alignment. This preliminary action allows the sheet to be aligned while the gripper carriage is still approaching the transfer point, rather than requiring alignment only after the gripper arrives.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper support is made displaceable along the gripper lever's trajectory, allowing dynamic adjustment of the gripper's position. This enables the gripper to open and retract at optimal moments during its circulation, creating flexibility in timing the sheet transfer and alignment operations.
2Productivity
If the gripper closes quickly to minimize transport time, then productivity is improved, but the precision of sheet alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper support retraction is performed in advance before the gripper closes on the sheet. This preliminary retraction creates a larger time window during which the sheet can be precisely aligned, as the gripper remains open and retracted during the approach phase, allowing alignment operations to complete before the closing action begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper operation is segmented into distinct phases: approach with retracted support, alignment phase with open gripper, and closing phase. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with the alignment phase extended by separating the closing action from the approach.
3Productivity
If the gripper carriage moves continuously through the machine, then productivity is improved, but the reliability of sheet transfer deteriorates due to collision risks
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper support is retracted in advance before the gripper reaches the sheet transfer point, preventing collision between the gripper and the sheet during the transfer. This preliminary retraction ensures that the gripper opens before contact, allowing reliable sheet pickup even during continuous circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The displaceable gripper support allows dynamic adjustment of the gripper's position and opening timing. This dynamic capability enables the gripper to adapt its motion to avoid collisions while maintaining continuous circulation, improving reliability without sacrificing productivity.
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
This approach allows for more precise sheet alignment and higher register quality in subsequent processing steps by extending the time available for alignment, reducing collisions, and improving the accuracy of sheet transfer in sheet punching and embossing machines.
Implementation Method 1
gripper levers (82) that can be pivoted for opening and closing
Implementation Method 2
gripper support (81) that can be displaced for opening and closing, with the gripper support (81) describing an inner trajectory when circulating in the sheet transport system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3c
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The method involves feeding a sheet (6) by a sheet feeder (1) and opening a gripper (80) of a gripper carriage (8) by pivoting from lower gripper levers below a sheet transport level (E) or by moving from lower gripping pad in a retracted position. The sheet is inserted and aligned in a sheet transfer point (U), where the collision-free insertion of the gripper carriage in the sheet transfer point is performed. The sheet is transported through a machine (100) by moving the gripper carriage. An independent claim is included for a sheet punching or embossing machine for using sheet.