Laminar Assembly Apparatus with Gripper Cylinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional apparatuses for assembling laminar articles for electrical machines face inefficiencies due to interference between the first and second pistons during the ejection and retraction process, leading to increased production times and costs, and a risk of breakage from potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a gripper connected to the second cylinder, which allows both cylinders to operate simultaneously by positioning the gripper downstream of the first cylinder, enabling continuous assembly operations without interference and reducing the risk of collision, using oil hydraulic or pneumatic actuation for the gripper's opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the second piston is used to eject the formed pack of laminae, then the pack can be discharged onto the conveyor belt, but the second piston occupies the operating area of the first piston during advancement and retraction, causing interruption in the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
A gripper device is introduced as an intermediary between the second piston and the pack of laminae. The gripper is actuated by the second piston to grasp and eject the pack, allowing the second piston to retract from the operating area before the ejection action is completed. This intermediary mechanism resolves the conflict between needing ejection capability and maintaining continuous assembly operation.
2Ease of operation
If the second piston advances to eject the pack, then discharge is enabled, but the first piston cannot operate simultaneously as the operating area is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper device is positioned and ready in advance within the operating area. When the first piston completes packing, the gripper is already in place to immediately grasp the pack. The second piston then actuates the gripper for ejection, allowing the first piston to begin its upward movement simultaneously without waiting for the second piston to fully retract.
3Productivity
If the first piston lifts before the second piston returns to the inoperative position, then continuous operation could be maintained, but breakage risk increases due to potential malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor system monitors the position of the second piston and the state of the gripper device. The control system receives feedback about whether the ejection is complete and the operating area is clear before allowing the first piston to lift. This feedback mechanism enables continuous operation while preventing breakage by ensuring safe sequencing of operations.
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 design enhances the speed of laminar assembly by up to 40%, reduces production times and costs, and ensures higher reliability and resistance to malfunctions, allowing for uninterrupted operation and reduced risk of breakage.
Implementation Method 1
said gripper being actuated by said second cylinder to open and close
Implementation Method 2
using oil hydraulic or pneumatic actuation for the gripper's opening and closing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An improved apparatus (10) for the assembly of laminar articles for electrical use, of the magnetic laminae of the type used in electric machines such as motors, generators, transformers, gauges, ignition coils and similar electrical equipment, coupled with a shearing pressing machine (12) and comprising a pressing plane (16) arranged beneath the shearing pressing machine (12) and suitable to house a first cylinder (18) suitable to support a pack of laminae (14) defined by the superimposition of a plurality of laminae obtained by means of the pressing machine (12) during the forming process, a second cylinder (20) for discharging a finished pack of laminae (14) and a conveyor belt (22) suitable to displace said pack of laminae (14) to a discharging station, the apparatus comprising means for gripping and displacing a finished pack of laminae (14), with said means being associated to the second cylinder (20) and cooperating with the first cylinder (18) to operate while the machine is running.