Orderly Transfer of Metal Profiles via Active Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for transferring metal profiles suffer from uncontrolled and disorderly transfer due to gravity, leading to stress, tangling, noise, and safety risks, especially with shorter profiles, which complicates processing and requires manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a receiving device with movable arms and a transfer assembly with staggered supporting members for vertical translation, allowing orderly transfer and reducing interference, ensuring elements are lifted and lowered efficiently to maintain order and prevent tangling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If transfer is performed by gravity through tilting or removing the transferring device, then the transfer operation is simple, but the metal profiles become disordered and tangled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer operation simplicityVSAvoidordering of metal profiles
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary transferring device with supporting members that actively transport profiles between levels. This mediator prevents direct gravity-based dumping, maintaining profile order through controlled support and placement on the supply path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the passive gravity-based mechanical system with an active mechanical transferring device featuring supporting members. This substitution enables controlled, orderly transfer by mechanically supporting profiles throughout the transfer process rather than allowing uncontrolled gravitational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If profiles are transferred by gravity fall, then the transferring mechanism is simple, but noise levels exceed maximum allowed levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransferring mechanism complexityVSAvoidnoise during transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the simple but noisy gravity-based mechanical system with a more complex active mechanical transferring device. This substitution eliminates harmful noise by controlling the transfer process through mechanical support rather than uncontrolled impact from gravity fall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of gravity (uncontrolled fall causing noise) into a beneficial controlled descent mechanism. The supporting members guide profiles through a controlled lowering process, transforming the potentially harmful gravitational force into a smooth, quiet transfer operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Use of energy by moving object

If profiles are transferred by gravity, then energy consumption is low, but stress on profiles increases causing deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption for transferVSAvoidstress on metal profiles
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary transferring device with supporting members that actively manage profile transport. This mediator distributes and controls stress during transfer, preventing the concentrated impact stresses that occur during gravity-based free fall while maintaining energy efficiency through controlled mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing continuous support through supporting members during the transfer process. This pre-empts harmful stress concentrations by maintaining uniform support throughout the transfer, preventing impact-related deformation before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Device complexity

If transferring device is tilted for gravity transfer, then the mechanism is simple, but safety risks increase for operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransferring device mechanismVSAvoidoperator safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the simple tilting mechanism with a more complex active transferring device featuring controlled supporting members. This substitution improves operator safety by eliminating uncontrolled profile movement and potential bouncing, providing predictable and controlled transfer behavior throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The transferring device performs self-service through automated controlled movement of supporting members. The system manages its own transfer operation without requiring operator intervention during the critical transfer phase, reducing safety risks associated with manual operation near moving profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enables efficient, rapid, and orderly transfer of metal profiles, reducing stress and noise, while maintaining ordered positioning, thus simplifying the apparatus and enhancing operational safety and reducing the need for manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

The transfer assembly (7) is configured to transfer the elements (2) from the receiving plane (31) to the supply path (5)... actuating the transfer assembly (7) in a discharge stroke, in particular according to a vertical translation stroke, from the receiving level, to a disengaging level, lower than the supply level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3578278B1Method and apparatus for orderly transferring elements of elongated shape
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 SCHNELL SPA
  • EP3578278B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3578278B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3578278B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for orderly transferring elongated elements provides for arranging a receiving device (3) comprising a receiving plane (31), the elongated elements (2) being arranged standing on the receiving plane (31), also for arranging a supply path (5) configured to receive the elements (2) standing on a respective supply plane (51) and for actuating afterwards the receiving device (3) along a transverse direction for preparing the receiving plane (31) aligned above with the supply plane (51). The method then provides for actuating a transfer assembly (7) cooperating with the supply path (5), for removing the elements (2) from the receiving plane (31).