Pallet Changer with Integrated Processing Unit for Plate Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pallet changers experience high downtimes due to longer main processing times compared to secondary working times, and additional processing steps require separate stations, increasing overall processing time and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A pallet changer with at least two movable pallets and an integrated processing device that allows for independent processing of panel-shaped materials, enabling additional functionalities like marking, drilling, and deburring without interrupting main processing time, and reducing the need for separate processing stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additional processing steps (marking, drilling, deburring) are performed in separate work stations, then these operations can be carried out without interrupting main machining time, but space requirements increase and overall processing time increases due to material transfer between stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the additional processing functions (marking, drilling, deburring) directly into the pallet changer unit, combining multiple operations that were previously performed in separate work stations into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for material transfer between stations and reduces overall space requirements while maintaining parallel processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet changer is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a pallet exchange mechanism and as a processing station for additional operations. The machining center integrated into the pallet changer can perform marking, drilling, deburring, and other operations, making the unit universal and eliminating the need for dedicated separate stations for each operation.
2Productivity
If the machining center processes additional functionalities (marking, drilling, deburring) during auxiliary work time in the pallet changer, then main machining time is optimized, but the pallet changer becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The machining center is integrated directly into the pallet changer structure, merging the pallet exchange function with the additional processing function. This consolidation allows the system to perform marking, drilling, and deburring operations during the auxiliary work time when pallets are being exchanged, thereby optimizing main machining time without requiring separate complex systems.
3Productivity
If multiple pallets are mounted on the pallet changer for alternating processing, then continuous production is enabled, but the pallet changer occupies more space and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet changer is designed with nested pallets, where multiple pallets are stacked vertically one above the other in a compact arrangement. This nesting configuration enables alternating processing of multiple pallets while minimizing the horizontal footprint of the pallet changer, allowing continuous production without occupying excessive space.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pallet changer with at least two pallets (11, 43) mounted on a base frame (41) and arranged to be movable, each having a support surface (49) for receiving a plate-shaped material (8), with a drive (51) by which the at least one pallet (11, 43) is moved from the base frame (41) into a processing machine (2) and moved out of it, wherein the drive (51) comprises a motor (52) which drives a drive element (56) which moves the at least one pallet (11, 43), wherein a processing device (45) is provided on the base frame (41) which is independent of the processing machine (2) for processing plate-shaped material (8) and is provided for processing the plate-shaped material (8) resting on the pallet (11, 43).