Multi-Suction Flat Part Feeding Without Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
The processing speed of conventional processing machines for flat material parts is limited by the transport speed of the side feed unit, especially when dealing with sheets that are only a fraction of the total length of the processing tools.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of two or more suction cup units, mounted offset transversely to the feed direction and controlled separately, allows for simultaneous pickup and non-overlapping deposition of flat material parts on the feed table, enabling multiple parts to be fed into the processing machine in a single step, thereby increasing processing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single suction cup unit is used to transport flat material parts, then the structure remains simple, but the processing speed is limited by the transport speed of the side feed unit
Solution Approach 1:
The side feed unit is divided into multiple independently controllable suction cup units (first suction cup unit, second suction cup unit, etc.) arranged offset transversely to the feed direction. Each suction cup unit can pick up and deposit flat material parts independently, allowing parallel operation that increases processing speed without requiring complete structural redesign
2Productivity
If multiple suction cup units are used to feed multiple flat material parts simultaneously, then processing speed increases, but the risk of overlapping and sticking of deposited parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple suction cup units are arranged offset in the transverse direction (perpendicular to feed direction) rather than only in the feed direction. This spatial distribution in an additional dimension ensures that when parts are deposited sequentially on the feed table, they are positioned at different longitudinal locations, preventing overlapping and sticking while enabling simultaneous feeding of multiple parts
3Productivity
If the side feed unit operates at high transport speed, then processing speed increases, but the flat material parts may not be properly positioned and aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup units pick up flat material parts from the transfer table where parts are pre-aligned, and deposit them onto the feed table at predetermined positions. The feed table then performs alignment of the processing edge in the feed direction before processing, ensuring proper positioning even at high transport speeds
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
This method enhances the feeding process by allowing multiple short flat material parts to be processed simultaneously, reducing the time required for feeding and enabling efficient handling of flat components of different widths and lengths, while minimizing the risk of sticking and overlapping.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup unit, with which the flat material part can be picked up from the transfer table and deposited on the feed table
Data Source
AI summary
In a processing machine for feeding flat material parts thereto, the control unit controls suction cup units in a pick-up step in order to pick up two or more flat material parts corresponding to the number of suction cup units from a transfer table. The control unit then controls the individual two or more suction cup units in a multi-stage positioning step during a movement of the frame component in the feed direction into the processing machine so that these successively deposit the picked-up flat material parts on the feed table in such a way that, viewed in the feed processing direction of the feed table, no overlapping of the deposited flat material parts occurs.