Independent Gripper Feed Device for Edging Strip Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing feed devices for edging strips are structurally complex and require cumbersome control mechanisms, as all grippers must move together, making it difficult to efficiently switch between processing different edging strips.

Innovation Solution

A feed device design where only a single gripper is needed for each edging strip, with each gripper permanently clamping its assigned strip except when releasing it at the pressing device position, allowing for individual movement and control of each gripper.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If all grippers are moved together on a single carriage, then the structure is simpler to coordinate, but the device complexity increases and switching between edging strips becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of switching between edging stripsVSAvoidstructural complexity of pushing device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pushing device is divided into multiple independent grippers (13) that can move individually along separate paths, rather than being constrained to a single carriage. Each gripper is equipped with its own drive mechanism, allowing selective activation and independent movement of only the gripper needed for the current edging strip, thereby simplifying the overall system structure while improving operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static carriage-based structure to a dynamic configuration where grippers can independently position themselves. The individual drive mechanisms enable each gripper to dynamically adjust its position and activation state based on the specific edging strip being processed, optimizing system response and reducing mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple fixed grippers are provided to secure edging strips, then all strips are secured, but the control complexity increases as each gripper must be controlled separately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of edging stripsVSAvoidcontrol complexity of grippers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grippers transition from fixed positions to dynamically controllable units with individual drive mechanisms. This allows the system to activate only the specific gripper needed for the current edging strip while keeping others inactive, maintaining reliable securing of strips while dramatically reducing control complexity compared to managing multiple always-active fixed grippers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Simplifies the structural complexity and control of edging strip handling, enabling efficient switching between strips without interrupting the clamping of non-target strips, reducing the need for additional securing mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the retraction of the edging strip to be exchanged and the advancement of the edging strip to be processed afterwards is carried out by means of friction rollers or pushers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2095921B1Device for supplying edge strips
Publication Date: 2013.04.17 IMA KLESSMANN GMBH HOLZBEARBEITUNGSSYSTEME
  • EP2095921B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The equipment has strip tracks (11) for processing edge strip, which opens in a channel (6) guiding into a pressing device (3). A grip arm (13) of a thrust device (12) is displaced between positions that are adjacent and oblique to the channel. The grip arm is clamped and released in adjacent and oblique position.