Movable Process Units in Sandwich Element Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for producing sandwich elements require large amounts of space due to stationary process units and conveyors, obstructing access and necessitating additional transfer bridges, which increase costs and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

The process units and conveying device are made movable relative to the base, allowing for flexible positioning and efficient use of space, enabling easier access and eliminating the need for transfer bridges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If process units and conveying device are made movable, then space efficiency and accessibility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the conveying device and process units movable rather than stationary. The conveying device can be moved along the base using a drive mechanism, and process units can be repositioned relative to the conveying device, enabling flexible adaptation to different production needs and space constraints while maintaining manufacturing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If process units are made movable, then accessibility for workers is improved, but manufacturing precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidprecision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual positioning mechanisms with automated drive systems. The conveying device is equipped with a drive mechanism that can be controlled to move the conveying device and process units to precise positions, ensuring manufacturing precision is maintained while improving accessibility for workers.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3925777B1Device for manufacturing sandwich elements and corresponding use
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 OTECH
  • EP3925777B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3925777B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for the production of sandwich elements, in particular for motorhome parts, comprising a base (2) as a support and guide frame, at least one conveyor device (3) mounted on the base (2), and at least two process units (4, 5) also mounted on the base for carrying out production steps of a sandwich element, wherein the at least two process units (4, 5) and/or the at least one conveyor device (3) are movable relative to the base (2). (Fig. 1)