Layered Pack Collection with Automatic Alignment in Cutting Dies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional apparatuses for collecting bulk metal plates lack automatic alignment and orientation, require manual operator intervention, necessitate modifications to the cutting press, and increase production times and costs.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus is designed to automatically align and orient bulk metal plates within a cutting die using a central cylinder with flaps and slides, allowing for efficient collection and unloading without manual intervention, and is adaptable to any die without structural modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If automated robotic pick and place systems are used to assemble electronic components, then assembly precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the bulk material handling into separate functional modules: a bulk material holder for storage, a pickup tool for extraction, and a placement mechanism for deposition. Each module operates independently but coordinates through the controller, achieving precise assembly without requiring a fully integrated complex robotic system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pickup tool acts as an intermediary between the bulk material holder and the target substrate. It transfers individual items or small groups from the bulk container to the precise location on the substrate, enabling controlled placement while simplifying the overall system architecture compared to direct robotic manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If bulk material holders with many individual slots are used, then component organization is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent organizationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple storage slots are combined into a single bulk material holder unit. The holder contains an array of slots for organizing components by type, but the entire structure is managed as one integrated component rather than separate storage units, reducing system complexity while maintaining organizational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bulk material holder serves multiple functions: it stores components organized by type in its slots, allows selective pickup of items or small groups, and can be reconfigured for different component types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized storage devices for each component type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4536421B1Apparatus and method for collecting bulk layered packs for electrical use
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 CORRADA SPA
  • EP4536421B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4536421B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4536421B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus (10) for collecting bulk layered packs for electrical use cut by a cutting die for forming layered packs for use in electrical machines, arranged inside a cutting die comprising a detachment matrix (12), a lower upright (13) arranged coaxially to and below the detachment die (12), a brake (11) coupled to the lower upright (13) and coaxially thereto, a lower base (14) arranged below the lower upright (13), the apparatus which comprises a central cylinder (16) coaxially and centrally arranged with respect to the detachment matrix (12) comprising first means for accumulating cut metal plates (17), second means for accumulating the cut metal plates (17) arranged below the central cylinder (16) and means for unloading a pack (17') of metal plates (17) arranged below the central cylinder (16) and inside the lower base (14) and movable with respect thereto.