Moulding Line Gripper Transfer Using Programmable Linear Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transferring groups in moulding lines require frequent disassembly and reassembly of cam profiles for different article types and production cycles, leading to time-consuming and safety-risky operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of tubular linear motors as actuators replaces traditional cam profiles, allowing for flexible adjustment of gripper opening and closing speeds through control logic programming, eliminating the need for component substitution or reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cam profiles are used to control gripper opening and closing, then the transferring group can bear the working rhythm and maintain mechanical robustness, but frequent disassembly and reassembly of cam profiles is required for different article types and production cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cam profile system with a programmable control system. Instead of physically changing cam profiles to adapt to different article types, the new system uses software programming to control gripper opening and closing speeds, eliminating the need for mechanical component substitution and significantly reducing changeover time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic programmability to the control system, allowing the gripper speeds and timing to be adjusted through code rather than fixed mechanical cam profiles. This enables rapid reconfiguration for different production requirements without physical modifications
2Manufacturing precision
If cam profiles are used to control gripper timing and speed, then precise control can be achieved, but operator intervention and safety risks increase during component substitution
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical cam system with an automated programmable control system, the patent eliminates the need for operator intervention during changeovers. The programmable controller maintains precise control of gripper timing and speed through software, removing operators from hazardous areas and eliminating safety risks associated with manual component handling
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation through programmable control, where the controller automatically adjusts gripper parameters based on pre-programmed instructions. This eliminates the need for operator intervention in adjusting cam profiles and timing, allowing the system to reconfigure itself safely for different production requirements
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 solution enhances flexibility and safety by enabling rapid adjustment of gripper settings without physical modifications, ensuring precise clamping and immediate defect detection, reducing operator intervention and risk.
Implementation Method 1
Each control rod A is connected to a movable component of an actuator M through an articulated rod 11. Advantageously, the actuator M is constituted by a tubular linear motor.
Data Source
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AI summary
A transferring group comprising a plurality of control units (U) is described, each provided with an actuator (M) controlling the opening / closing of a gripper (P) by means of a kinematic chain comprising at least a control rod (A) acting on said gripper (P), a rocking lever (3) engaged with said rod (A) and a control lever (8) transferring a control action from said actuator (M) to said rocking lever (3), said grippers (P) of the plurality of control units (U) being integral with first side transferring means (T1), wherein said actuator being composed of a tubular linear electric motor provided with a stator (100) and a slider (101) being reciprocally sliding, the slider (101) being provided with a front section (105) constrained in motion with said control lever (8), and wherein the position of said slider (101) in relation to a fixed terminal rod (103) integral with said stator (100) being detected by a position transducer (106).