Modular Processing Buffering Device for Flexible Conveying Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveying lines are inflexible and costly to adapt to changes in manufacturing processes due to their customized width dimensions and require high-cost mechanical adjustments, limiting their ability to handle various product sizes and processes efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular processing and buffering device with a fixing and installation mechanism, jacking component, and clamping component that can be easily installed and controlled on one side of the conveying line, allowing for clamping and jacking operations across different widths, and is expandable to accommodate various process requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conveying lines are customized with specific width dimensions, then they can meet production requirements of different types of products to a certain extent, but they cannot adapt to changes in manufacturing processes and have high device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The processing and buffering device is divided into modular components including a processing module and a buffering module that can be independently configured and assembled. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different manufacturing processes by selectively combining modules rather than redesigning the entire conveying line, thereby improving adaptability while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing module is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of carriers and products through adjustable clamping mechanisms and programmable control. The device can perform both processing operations and buffering functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function, thus improving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical arms are used to adjust functions of reclaiming and discharging, then the conveying line can adapt to process changes, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The buffering module automatically performs carrier storage and retrieval operations based on processing completion status without requiring external mechanical arms. The system uses sensors and automated control to manage the buffer queue, enabling self-service functionality that reduces adaptability needs while maintaining low cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing and buffering functions are merged into a single integrated device rather than using separate mechanical arm systems for each function. This consolidation eliminates the need for expensive multiple mechanical arms while achieving the same adaptability through coordinated operation of integrated components.
3Ease of manufacture
If processing and buffering devices are installed on one side of the conveying line, then installation is simplified and cost is reduced, but the conveying path design becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes the vertical dimension by stacking the processing module above the buffering module, allowing both functions to be accessed from the same lateral position on the conveying line. This vertical arrangement simplifies lateral installation while the conveying path design accommodates the vertical offset through adjustable carrier transfer mechanisms.
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 modular device simplifies installation, reduces costs, and enables flexible adaptation to different conveying lines and processes, facilitating coordinated control and efficient operation of multiple devices through an upper control system, thereby enhancing production efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping component is connected to the jacking component through the connection element. The clamping component includes a horizontal displacement cylinder and a pair of clamping elements. The clamping component is driven by the jacking component to move relative to the fixing and installation mechanism to an ascending critical position or a descending critical position.
Implementation Method 2
The pair of clamping elements is detachably disposed on two opposite sides of the horizontal displacement cylinder, and is driven by the horizontal displacement cylinder to perform a clamping operation or a releasing operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing and buffering device compatible with various conveying lines is disclosed and includes a fixing and installation mechanism, a jacking component and a clamping component. The fixing and installation mechanism is used for fixing the processing and buffering device on a lateral side of a conveying line. The jacking component is disposed on the fixing and installation mechanism, and includes a jacking cylinder and a connection element, wherein the jacking component is allowed moving up and down in a vertical direction under the action of the jacking cylinder. The clamping component is disposed on the fixing and installation mechanism, connected to the jacking component through the connection element, and includes a horizontal displacement cylinder and two clamping elements. The clamping component is driven by the jacking component to move. The clamping elements are driven by a horizontal displacement cylinder to perform a clamping operation or a releasing operation.