Modular Sheet Handling With Gripper Handover Between Processing Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet material processing machines lack flexibility in adapting process steps without compromising efficiency and productivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a transport system within each processing unit that is proprietary and interconnected via gripper units, allowing for modular combinations and easy adaptation of process steps through handover mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single transport system spans over all processing units, then efficiency and productivity are maintained, but flexibility in adapting process steps is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transport system into separate modular units, each processing unit having its own independent transport system. This segmentation allows each module to be independently configured and adapted for different process steps while maintaining overall system functionality. The transport system is no longer a single spanning structure but multiple discrete units that can be selectively combined.
2Adaptability or versatility
If processing units are made modular and interchangeable, then flexibility and ease of adaptation improve, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal interface standards for the modular processing units. Each unit features standardized connection points and protocols that enable them to be interchangeably connected in different configurations. This universality allows any processing unit to potentially work with any other unit, simplifying the interconnection complexity despite the modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces standardized interface mechanisms as intermediaries between modular processing units. These interfaces act as mediators that handle the connection and coordination between different units, abstracting away the complexity of direct unit-to-unit integration and enabling plug-and-play modularity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each processing unit has its own transport system, then flexibility and parallel development improve, but the overall weight and inertia increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transport function from a single centralized system and distributes it across multiple processing units. Each unit contains only the transport components necessary for its specific function, eliminating redundant transport mechanisms that would exist in a centralized spanning system. This extraction reduces overall weight while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet material processing unit (20, 22, 24) comprises a transport system (32) for transporting sheets (12) or parts thereof from a respective input end (20i, 22i, 24i) to a respective output end (20o, 22o, 24o). A gripper unit (46) is releasably coupled to the transport system (32) and is configured for holding at least a part of one of the sheets (12). Additionally, at least one handover mechanism (47d, 47r) is provided being configured for decoupling the gripper unit (46) from the transport system (32) and providing the gripper unit (46) to a neighboring sheet material processing unit (20, 22, 24) and/or receiving a gripper unit (46) from a neighboring sheet material processing unit (20, 22, 24) and coupling the received gripper unit (46) to the corresponding transport system (32). Additionally, a sheet material processing machine (10) is presented which comprises at least two such sheet material processing units (20, 22, 24).