Movable Alignment Device for Plate Workpiece Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alignment devices for feeding plate-shaped workpieces to processing machines suffer from slippage issues due to mass inertia, leading to deviations in time intervals and distances between workpieces, which reduces processing machine performance and cannot meet increasing output requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method using a conveyor device with a rotating support element and alignment device, where the alignment device is moved in sections along the transport direction, eliminating the need to stop and restart workpieces, and a compensation section adjusts speed to maintain precise time intervals and distances, utilizing cams and conveyor belts for accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stationary alignment device is used to align workpieces, then alignment precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to workpiece stoppage and acceleration/deceleration cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device is made movable in the transport direction, allowing it to follow the workpiece during conveyance. This dynamic configuration enables continuous alignment without stopping the workpiece, eliminating the need for deceleration and reacceleration cycles while maintaining alignment precision through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device is positioned ahead of the workpiece in the transport direction, allowing it to engage with the workpiece edge before the workpiece reaches the processing machine. This preliminary positioning enables alignment to be performed during the conveyance process rather than requiring workpiece stoppage.
2Measurement precision
If workpiece speed is reduced for alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but time loss increases due to deceleration and reacceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device moves at a controlled speed in the transport direction, allowing the workpiece to maintain its conveyance speed while the alignment device dynamically adjusts its position to engage with the workpiece edge. This eliminates the need to slow down the workpiece for alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable alignment device acts as an intermediary between the workpiece and the processing machine, performing alignment functions without requiring the workpiece to change speed. The alignment device absorbs the speed difference and maintains continuous contact with the workpiece edge during conveyance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If transport system friction is increased to prevent slippage, then alignment stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device moves synchronously with the workpiece conveyance, maintaining a controlled relationship between the alignment device speed and workpiece speed. This dynamic synchronization prevents slippage without requiring excessive friction, as the alignment device adapts its movement to match the workpiece flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains controlled speed relationships between the alignment device and workpiece through feedback mechanisms, adjusting the alignment device movement based on workpiece conveyance conditions. This ensures stable alignment while optimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary friction increases.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an alignment device for aligning workpieces, particularly those in the shape of plates, which preferably consist at least partially of wood, wood-based materials, plastic, or the like, and to a processing machine with said alignment device. The workpieces to be processed within the scope of the present application are components such as particleboard, MDF panels, or similar materials used in the furniture and building component industries. The invention further relates to a method.