Movable Suction Nozzle Carrier for Precise Web Segment Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for handling and transferring web-shaped workpieces, such as electrode segments, face challenges in precise positioning and transfer due to thickness tolerances and manufacturing variations, often resulting in web tearing and complex mechanical setups.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece carrier system with movable suction nozzles and separate air circuits allows for precise pickup, transport, and transfer of web-shaped workpieces, compensating for thickness variations and manufacturing tolerances by using flexible nozzles that retract when vacuum is applied, ensuring secure attachment and transfer without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fixed suction nozzles are used for handling web-shaped workpieces, then the handling process is simple, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to thickness tolerances and manufacturing variations
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position in the extended/rest positions. This dynamic capability enables the nozzle to adapt to varying web thicknesses while maintaining consistent suction contact, thereby improving positioning precision without requiring complex mechanical follow-up systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzle's position parameter is made variable, allowing it to extend into the workpiece and retract to a rest position. This parameter change enables the system to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and thickness variations in the web-shaped workpieces, achieving precise positioning without complex mechanical adjustments.
2Reliability
If fixed mechanical handling systems are used for web-shaped workpieces, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to web tearing from thickness variations
Solution Approach 1:
The movable suction nozzle dynamically adapts its position to accommodate thickness variations in the web-shaped workpieces. By extending into the workpiece when needed and retracting when not needed, the system maintains reliable suction contact without exerting excessive mechanical stress that could cause web tearing, thereby improving reliability without complex mechanical follow-up systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with a simpler movable suction nozzle mechanism. Instead of using complex mechanical follow-up systems to accommodate thickness variations, the patent uses a vacuum-based movable nozzle that automatically adapts to workpiece thickness, reducing mechanical complexity while improving web integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If movable suction nozzles are used to compensate for thickness variations, then the positioning precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is designed with simple movable capability between extended and rest positions. This dynamic feature allows the nozzle to compensate for thickness variations and achieve precise transfer positioning without requiring complex mechanical adjustment systems, position monitoring devices, or multiple mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simpler movable suction nozzle mechanism controlled by vacuum pressure. The movable nozzle automatically adjusts to achieve precise transfer positioning without requiring complex mechanical follow-up systems, position monitoring, or multiple adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving manufacturing precision while minimizing device complexity.
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 system enables consistent and damage-free transfer of workpieces across different thicknesses and manufacturing tolerances, eliminating the need for complex mechanical follow-ups and position monitoring, while maintaining quality even at varying speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device (40) for sucking the workpiece (12) onto the support surface (38), wherein the suction device (40) has at least one movable suction nozzle (42) which in the rest position projects from the support surface (38) and which can be moved into a retracted position, from which the suction nozzle (42) does not project beyond the support surface (38), when subjected to vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece carrier for taking over, transporting and transferring a workpiece formed as a segment of a material web, with a support surface formed on a carrier body for placing the workpiece on, and a suction device for sucking the workpiece onto the support surface, wherein the suction device has at least one movable suction nozzle which projects from the support surface in the rest position and, when subjected to vacuum, is configured to be moved against a force holding the suction nozzle in the rest position into a retracted position in which the suction nozzle does not project beyond the support surface.