Panel Conveyor Deflection Layout for Short Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel transport devices struggle to efficiently transport shorter workpieces due to increased insertion distance and space requirements, as the contact between the transport element and the workpiece is compromised when the deflection is perpendicular to the plane of maximum extension, leading to reduced adhesion and tension issues.
Innovation Solution
A panel transport device with a revolvingly driven transport element and a support area, featuring a deflection device with multiple rollers or disk elements, and strategically positioned pressure elements to reduce the insertion distance and ensure proper contact with the workpiece, allowing for shorter workpieces to be transported effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the transport element is deflected perpendicular to the plane of maximum plate expansion, then the workpiece can be conveyed from horizontal to vertical direction, but the adhesion to the material is greatly reduced and belt displacement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection device is segmented into multiple rollers arranged in a curved path rather than a single deflection point. This segmentation distributes the deflection force across multiple contact points, maintaining adhesion while enabling directional change. The transport element contacts multiple rollers sequentially, allowing gradual redirection without sudden perpendicular deflection that would cause belt displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection occurs along a curved path in three-dimensional space rather than a single perpendicular plane. The transport element follows a curved trajectory through multiple rollers, transitioning from horizontal to vertical direction gradually. This dimensional approach to deflection maintains continuous contact and adhesion while achieving the necessary directional change.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the outer band pulls on the ends of the plate while the inner band creates counter-pressure in the middle, then the plate can be held in place, but tensions arise causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure application is segmented into multiple discrete pressure elements distributed along the transport element rather than concentrated at single points. These pressure elements apply distributed pressure across the plate surface, balancing the forces and reducing tension while maintaining stable positioning during transport.
3Manufacturing precision
If the distance d between the deflecting device and pressure element is large, then the workpiece can be cleanly gripped, but shorter workpieces cannot be inserted into the transport device
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection system is segmented into multiple rollers with progressively smaller radii arranged in a curved path. This segmentation allows the pressure element to be positioned closer to the deflecting device while still achieving clean gripping. The workpiece contacts multiple rollers during insertion, ensuring proper engagement even with shorter workpieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection rollers are arranged in a curved path with varying radii, creating a gradual transition zone. This curved geometry allows the workpiece to be guided smoothly through the deflection area, maintaining gripping accuracy while reducing the required insertion distance. The curved path enables shorter workpieces to be properly engaged by distributing the contact points along the curve.
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 solution significantly reduces the insertion distance and space required for transporting panel-shaped workpieces, enabling reliable handling of shorter pieces while maintaining contact and stability, thus enhancing the efficiency and usability of the transport system.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesion to the material is greatly reduced, and belt displacement occurs
Data Source
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AI summary
The panel transport device (1) serves to transport panel-shaped workpieces, in particular those made of wood or wood substitutes, in a workpiece transport direction (P3). For this purpose, it has a continuously driven transport element (2) and a support area (3) on which a workpiece to be transported rests during transport. Furthermore, the panel transport device (1) has a feed side (4) to which the workpiece can be fed. In the area of the feed side (4), the transport element (1) is guided and thereby deflected from a direction of movement (P1, P2) different from the workpiece transport direction (P3) by at least one deflection device (5) into the workpiece transport direction (P3) through a curved path.The plate transport device (1) further comprises at least one first pressure element (6) which is arranged such that it presses a section of the transport element (2) extending in the workpiece transport direction (P3) against the workpiece. According to a first alternative, the deflection device (5) has a plurality of rollers (5) whose axes of rotation lie on a curve (K) parallel to the curved path. The first pressure element (6) is arranged adjacent to the roller (5') of the deflection device (5) closest to the support area (3). According to the second alternative, the deflection device (5) can comprise two disc elements (5a, 5b) separated from each other by a gap (Z), with at least the first pressure element (6) being arranged between the disc elements (5a, 5b).