Metal Mesh Feed and Welding Layout for Fast Format Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for producing metal meshes are inefficient in creating close meshes with varying rod diameters, require complex and costly repositioning of feed units, and result in significant downtime and waste when changing mesh formats, limiting flexibility and increasing maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising two coordinated operating groups to feed and weld longitudinal and transverse rods with adjustable pitch, allowing for flexible production of metal meshes with varying rod diameters and pitches, reducing the number of components and minimizing setup times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual feed units are repositioned to produce close meshes or meshes with different diameters, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but device complexity and setup time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the longitudinal rod feed units can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the mesh production line. This allows the pitch between longitudinal rods to be adjusted by repositioning the feed units to different locations, enabling production of various mesh configurations without requiring complex individual feed unit adjustments for each rod
Solution Approach 2:
The feed units are designed with multi-functionality to handle both longitudinal and transverse rods, and to accommodate different rod diameters and pitch requirements. The same feed unit structure can be repositioned to serve different positions in the mesh, reducing the need for specialized components for each configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual feed units are repositioned to change mesh format, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time due to production interruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary positioning of feed units during setup or between production runs. The feed units can be pre-positioned at optimal locations for the next mesh configuration before production begins, minimizing interruptions. The system allows for quick repositioning and reconfiguration without requiring complex real-time adjustments during active production
3Manufacturing precision
If minimum pitch between longitudinal rods is reduced to create close meshes, then mesh density is improved, but device complexity increases due to bulk of feed units
Solution Approach 1:
The feed units are segmented into modular components that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the system to achieve small pitch values between longitudinal rods by placing individual feed unit modules closer together, while each module remains a manageable, standardized component rather than requiring a completely redesigned compact feed 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 production of metal meshes with customizable sizes and pitches, reducing downtime and maintenance, and allowing for quick changes in mesh formats without compromising mesh quality.
Implementation Method 1
consisting of a plurality of metal rods, which are associated with each other longitudinally and transversely by electro-welding
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to make a metal mesh having longitudinal rods and transverse rods which have a diameter and reciprocal pitch defined on each occasion according to requirements, is provided, having a first operating group and a second operating group disposed in sequence and functionally coordinated, to obtain a reticular semi-worked product that is completed to make the desired metal mesh.