Opposite-Side Cutting and Vacuum Gripping for Footwear Patches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manufacturing methods and systems for apparel and footwear are bulky, inefficient, prone to errors, and difficult to integrate into fully automated processes, especially when producing highly customized items.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that integrates cutting and automated gripping means on opposite sides of the source material, using a robotic actuator to transport cut patches to further processing stations, eliminating the need for complex vision systems and allowing for precise, efficient cutting and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional cutting systems are used, then cutting can be performed, but the systems are bulky and difficult to integrate into automated manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting means and automated gripping means into a single integrated system where both operations occur simultaneously on opposite sides of the source material. This merging eliminates the need for separate cutting and gripping stations, reducing overall system bulk while enabling seamless integration into automated manufacturing workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the cutting means above the source material and the gripping means below it, allowing both operations to occur simultaneously without horizontal interference. This spatial arrangement reduces the horizontal footprint of the system while maintaining full functionality.
2Productivity
If conventional sequential cutting and gripping methods are used, then manufacturing can proceed, but the process is slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous manufacturing by performing cutting and gripping operations simultaneously in parallel. While the cutting means is cutting patches from the source material, the gripping means is already positioned to receive and transport the cut patches, eliminating idle time between cutting and gripping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping means is pre-positioned below the source material before cutting begins, ready to immediately receive and transport cut patches as soon as they are separated from the source material. This preliminary positioning eliminates delays associated with moving or repositioning the gripping mechanism after cutting.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional manufacturing systems are used, then production can occur, but the systems are expensive and complex to deploy and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated gripping means serves multiple functions: it acts as a support surface during cutting, receives and holds cut patches, transports them to processing stations, and can position them for assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each operation, reducing system complexity and deployment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system is designed to automatically coordinate cutting and gripping operations without requiring complex external control systems or manual intervention. The cutting means and gripping means work in synchronized harmony, with the system self-regulating the timing and positioning of operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional cutting and handling methods are used, then patches can be produced, but material waste increases and orientation/shape precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical handling methods that may distort patches with a vacuum-based gripping system. The vacuum gripping surface gently holds patches in their cut orientation without mechanical contact points that could cause deformation, maintaining precise shape and orientation while reducing material waste from handling errors.
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
Enhances manufacturing efficiency, reduces material waste, and facilitates faster, cost-effective production of customized apparel and footwear by maintaining patch orientation and shape during transport, enabling seamless integration into automated processes.
Implementation Method 1
the automated gripping means comprise a moveable gripping head attached to a robotic actuator
Implementation Method 2
It is well known in the art to use laser cutting methods and systems for that purpose
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to cutting methods and systems for manufacturing of apparel and footwear. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a piece of apparel, in particular a shoe, comprising cutting at least one patch from a panel or roll of source material with a cutting means, receiving the at least one cut patch by an automated gripping means after cutting, wherein the cutting means and the automated gripping means are arranged on opposite sides of the panel or roll of source material during cutting and translating the at least one cut patch with the automated gripping means to a target location after cutting. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a system for manufacturing a piece of apparel, preferably a shoe, comprising cutting means adapted to cut at least one patch from a panel or roll of source material, automated gripping means adapted to receive the at least one cut patch after cutting, wherein the cutting means and the automated gripping means are adapted to be arranged on opposite sides of the panel or roll of source material during cutting and wherein the automated gripping means is adapted to translate the at least one cut patch to a target location after cutting.