Magnetic Sheet Sorting for Multi-Order Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet material machining systems face inefficiencies in sorting and conveying products, particularly when multiple orders are cut from a single workpiece, leading to increased production costs and time due to manual sorting and the risk of residual material interference during automated processing.
Innovation Solution
A sheet material machining system comprising a sheet material machining machine, a sorting table, a temporary placement table, a discharge table, and a carrier with an attracting actuator, which conveys and sorts products based on pre-defined orders, using a controller to manage the attracting portions and conveyance, ensuring efficient separation and placement of products without residual material interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sorting is used to separate products from residual material, then sorting flexibility is maintained, but labor costs and sorting time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the magnetic properties of the products themselves to enable automatic sorting. The attracting actuator activates magnetic attracting portions that selectively attract and separate products containing magnetic material from residual material, allowing the workpiece to sort itself without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated magnetic field-based system. The attracting actuator generates magnetic fields that selectively interact with magnetic products, substituting human labor with a controllable physical field mechanism
2Speed
If automated conveying is implemented, then conveying speed increases, but residual material may be accidentally moved or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The attracting actuator activates magnetic attracting portions at specific locations and times during the conveying process. Only products in the machining area are subjected to magnetic attraction, while residual material outside this zone remains unaffected, enabling selective action with localized quality control
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the activation and deactivation of magnetic attracting portions during the conveying cycle. The attracting actuator is activated only when needed to separate products from residual material, and deactivated when conveying residual material alone, adapting its state to the current process requirements
3Loss of substance
If multiple orders are cut from a single workpiece, then material utilization improves, but sorting time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sorting system automatically separates multiple products from residual material without requiring manual intervention for each product. The attracting actuator systematically activates magnetic portions to extract products in sequence, enabling the system to self-sort multiple items efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying and sorting operations are performed continuously in an integrated manner. Products are conveyed, sorted, and removed in a continuous flow without interruption, maintaining constant productive action throughout the process
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
The system automates the sorting and conveying process, reducing manual sorting time and costs, while preventing residual material movement and damage, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing production expenses.
Implementation Method 1
The attracting actuator has a plurality of attracting portions, and each of the plurality of attracting portions is capable of separately attracting a product
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet material machining system includes a sheet material machining machine which is configured to machine a workpiece to produce a machined workpiece that includes a plurality of products and a residual material. The machined workpiece is configured to be placed on a sorting table. The plurality of products are configured to be placed on a temporary placement table. At least one product among the plurality of products are configured to be placed on a discharge table. A carrier includes an attracting actuator and a mobile actuator. The order management processor is configured to control the carrier and includes a storage configured to memorize a layout of the plurality of products in the workpiece. The plurality of products are associated with an attracting order.