Magnetic Lift Platform for Precise Pocketed Coil Spring Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reliably and efficiently transferring coil springs to a conveyor belt in a pocketed spring assembly machine is complex, leading to potential issues with assembly speed and precision.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism using a magnetic lift platform to engage and move coil springs from a coil winding device to a conveyor belt, combined with a drive mechanism and slider for precise transfer, allowing for vertical acceleration exceeding gravity acceleration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex handling mechanisms like rotation or mechanical gripping are used to transfer coil springs, then the transfer can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer reliabilityVSAvoidmachine complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical gripping and rotation mechanisms with a magnetic field-based transfer system. The magnetic field engages the coil spring at its end turn and transports it directly to the conveyor belt without mechanical contact, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining transfer reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the coil spring and the transfer mechanism. Instead of direct mechanical interaction, the magnetic field mediates the engagement and transport of the coil spring, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex handling mechanisms are used to transfer coil springs, then transfer can be achieved, but the assembly speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer reliabilityVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing mechanical gripping and rotation with magnetic field-based transport, the system eliminates the time-consuming mechanical operations while maintaining reliable transfer, thereby increasing assembly speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If complex handling mechanisms like rotation or mechanical gripping are used, then transfer can be achieved, but the cost of the machine increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field-based transfer system replaces expensive mechanical components such as grippers, rotators, and associated actuators, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining transfer reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If vertical acceleration exceeding gravity acceleration is used to move the lift platform, then transfer speed increases, but the force required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer speedVSAvoiddrive force

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field provides the driving force for vertical acceleration, eliminating the need for complex mechanical drive systems that would require even higher forces to achieve the same acceleration, thereby enabling high-speed transfer with manageable force requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient and precise transfer of coil springs without complex handling, such as rotation or mechanical gripping, enhancing the reliability and speed of the assembly process.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic engagement of the coil spring on the lift platform may allow for moving the coil spring with vertical acceleration exceeding gravity acceleration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic engagement: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic engagement of the coil spring on the lift platform may allow for moving the coil spring with vertical acceleration exceeding gravity acceleration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVertical acceleration exceeding gravity acceleration: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20250051103A1Method For Transferring Coil Springs From A Coil Winding Device To A Conveyor Belt Of A Pocketed Coil Assembly Machine

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 SPUHL GMBH

AI summary

Method For Transferring Coil Springs From A Coil Winding Device To A Conveyor Belt Of A Pocketed Coil Assembly Machine A mechanism for transferring coil springs from a coil winding device to a conveyor belt of a pocketed coil assembly machine comprises a magnetic lift platform for engaging a coil spring before being released at an output of the coil winding device. Further, the mechanism comprises a drive mechanism for moving the lift platform between the output of the coil winding device and the conveyor belt.