Magnetic Slot Orientation of Elongated Objects Near Assembly Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orientation devices for elongated objects are expensive, bulky, inefficient, and require complex transport systems, limiting their use and effectiveness in industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight orientation device featuring a slot with converging walls and a magnetic gripping element, allowing for efficient orientation of objects by utilizing gravity and adjustable mechanisms to align and rotate elongated objects like screws and nails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional orientation devices with vibrating means and large containers are used, then objects can be oriented in bulk, but the devices become bulky, expensive, and require complex transport systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the orientation process into discrete sequential steps rather than bulk processing. Each object is individually picked, oriented, and placed, allowing for a compact device footprint while maintaining orientation functionality. This segmentation enables the use of simple mechanical components instead of large vibrating containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems (vibrating means, large containers, pneumatic transport) with simpler mechanical components. The orientation is achieved through a controlled mechanical sequence involving a picking element, rotation mechanism, and placement system, eliminating the need for bulky traditional orientation devices.
2Reliability
If traditional orientation devices are used, then objects can be oriented, but the devices are expensive and require complex pneumatic transport systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the orientation function directly at the tool location, merging the orientation device with the work area. This eliminates the need for separate complex pneumatic transport systems, as oriented objects can be directly supplied to the tool from the compact orientation device positioned nearby.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation device is designed to be self-contained and portable, requiring no external complex transport infrastructure. The device performs all orientation functions independently using integrated simple mechanical components, making it self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on expensive pneumatic systems.
3Productivity
If traditional orientation devices with large containers are used, then objects can be processed, but the devices are very low in efficiency due to long orientation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary orientation actions in a controlled sequential manner. Objects are picked, rotated to the correct orientation, and placed in advance of the tool's need, ensuring immediate availability of oriented objects. This preliminary action approach eliminates waiting time and maximizes orientation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous operation where the picking element continuously picks objects, rotates them, and places them in oriented positions without interruption. This continuous useful action eliminates idle time between orientation operations, maximizing productivity and minimizing time loss per object.
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 device enables rapid and effective orientation of objects, reducing the time required for correct positioning and allowing for installation near tools, thus improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic gripping element (2), movable along at least one vertical direction between an upper position and a lower position
Implementation Method 2
due to the effect of gravity, the stem (S) moves downwards passing through the slot (3) and making the object (S) rotate about the head (H)
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An orientation device for objects (O) provided with a stem (S) and with a head (H) that has a minimum width (R), characterised in that it comprises: a slot (3) which has two edges separated by a predetermined distance (D), less than the minimum width (R) and greater than the maximum width of the stem (G); an uncoupling device (4), movable between an active configuration, in which it is able to retain an object (O) with respect to lifting, and an inactive configuration, in which it is not able to interact with an object (O); a magnetic gripping element (2), movable along at least a vertical direction between an upper position and a lower position, in which an object (O) associated with the gripping element (2) is in a position such as to be retained by the uncoupling device (4) so as to be detached from the gripping element (2).