Modular Metal Profile Storage for Continuous Bending Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing installations for bending metal profiles for openings, such as windows and doors, face challenges in maintaining a continuous supply of various profile sizes without interrupting production, necessitating an efficient storage and supply system that can adapt to different dimensions and types of profiles.

Innovation Solution

A storage installation with modular design, featuring L-shaped angle irons and removable storage modules, allows for the storage and selective movement of profiles to ensure continuous supply to the bending installation, accommodating different profile types and sizes by arranging modules parallel to each other and using a gripping mechanism for precise positioning and movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a storage facility stores multiple profile types in the same space, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to store different profile typesVSAvoidstorage module structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage facility is divided into multiple independent storage modules, each capable of storing a specific profile type. These modules can be selectively positioned using the moving means, allowing different profile types to be stored in the same space without increasing overall system complexity. Each module is a self-contained unit with profiles arranged in a specific configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage modules are arranged vertically in the installation, utilizing the vertical dimension to store multiple profile types in the same horizontal space. The moving means can selectively position modules from different vertical levels, enabling high-density storage of various profile types without expanding the horizontal footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the installation supplies different profile sizes without stopping production, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous supply rateVSAvoidstorage and supply system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple storage modules containing different profile types are pre-loaded into the storage facility before production begins. The moving means can selectively retrieve and supply the required profile type at any time during production, eliminating the need to stop the bending installation for tooling changes or profile replacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The storage facility incorporates a moving means that can dynamically reposition different storage modules based on the current production requirements. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt to varying profile demands during continuous operation, maintaining high productivity without requiring a fixed, complex switching mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If storage modules are arranged vertically, then space utilization is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoidmodule accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The moving means acts as an intermediary between the vertically arranged storage modules and the bending installation. It automatically retrieves modules from vertical positions and delivers them to the supply point, eliminating the need for manual retrieval from difficult-to-reach vertical locations while maintaining efficient space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3495597B1Storage facility for metal profiles of opening panels
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 MECA THEIL
  • EP3495597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3495597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3495597B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a storage installation (1) for metal profiles of openings, comprising at least one means for storing the profiles, a means for connecting the storage installation (1) to a profile bending installation, and a means for moving the profiles from the storage installation (1) to the bending installation. The storage means comprises at least one storage module (3), removably held within a portion of the storage means, for a defined number of profiles in a given position. Each storage module (3) includes a profile support plate, an L-shaped angle bracket defining the bottom of the module, and at least one tab for holding the profiles against the plate. The movement means is adapted to selectively move said storage module.