Multi-Punch Press Conveyor Control for Variable Sheet Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-punch presses are limited to processing sheets of specific dimensions, require lengthy and expensive indexed conveyors, and necessitate frequent maintenance due to wear on indexed motion parts, while also being unsuitable for machining sheets with varying lengths or lithographed designs.
Innovation Solution
A versatile multi-punch press with a closed-loop conveyor system and programmable electronic control for adjusting sheet advancement steps, allowing for precise positioning and machining of sheets of different lengths, reducing wear on parts and enabling continuous machining cycles without the need for extensive maintenance or specialized conveyor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional indexed conveyor system is used, then sheets of specific dimensions can be conveyed, but the conveyor becomes lengthy and expensive to manufacture and install
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed to handle multiple sheet formats and dimensions using a single standardized configuration. The programmable controller enables the same physical conveyor to adapt to different sheet sizes through software configuration rather than hardware changes, making the system universal and eliminating the need for specialized conveyors for each sheet type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (advancement steps, positioning coordinates, indexing timing) through programmable control rather than physical reconfiguration. This allows the conveyor to adapt to different sheet dimensions by modifying control parameters stored in memory, avoiding the need for lengthy or expensive specialized conveyor designs.
2Reliability
If frequent periodical maintenance is performed, then wear on indexed motion parts is controlled, but productivity is reduced due to maintenance interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical indexing mechanisms with a programmable control system that uses sensors and controlled motion to achieve precise positioning. This substitution reduces mechanical wear because the system relies more on electronic control and feedback rather than purely mechanical indexing components, thereby reducing maintenance frequency while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms and programmable control that allow it to self-correct positioning errors and maintain precision without external intervention. The microprocessor monitors and adjusts positioning in real-time, enabling the system to maintain reliability without frequent maintenance interruptions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed indexed conveyor is used, then machining precision for standard sheets is maintained, but the system cannot process sheets of varying dimensions or lithographed sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, fixed indexing to dynamic, programmable positioning. The conveyor advancement steps and positioning parameters can be changed in real-time based on the sheet type being processed. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain precision for standard sheets while also accommodating varying dimensions and lithographed sheets through software-controlled adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors and programmable control to monitor sheet position and adjust advancement steps accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that even when processing sheets of varying dimensions or lithographed sheets, the punches remain accurately centered by continuously monitoring and correcting positioning based on actual sheet location rather than relying on fixed mechanical indexing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multiple-punch press (1) is disclosed for forming crown caps from sheets of metal, wherein a closed-loop conveyor (10), which is controlled by an electric motor (21) to move in an indexed manner, has gripping members (12) that take a sheet and supply the sheet (2) to a punching unit (11) that comprises two rows of punches that are parallel and staggered in relation to one another and opens and closes cyclically, controlled by another motor (22), shearing the sheet and forming at each blow two rows of caps.