Panel Cutting Machine With Pneumatic Holding for Multi-Panel Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines with robotic manipulators are limited by the suction cup gripping system, which can only move one panel at a time, leading to low productivity and frequent machine stops due to uncontrolled panel movements and adhesion issues.
Innovation Solution
The cutting machine employs a combination of pneumatic holding and robotic manipulation, where the lower panel of a stack is pneumatically held, allowing the upper panel to be quickly and reliably moved by the robotic manipulator, thereby preventing uncontrolled movements and adhesion problems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robotic manipulator with suction cup gripping system is used to handle panels, then automation extent is improved, but productivity deteriorates because only one panel can be moved at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The panel stack is segmented into multiple independent panels that can be handled separately. The robotic manipulator is equipped with multiple suction cups that can independently grip different panels within the same stack, allowing simultaneous handling of multiple panels rather than processing them one at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple suction cups are combined into a single robotic manipulator end effector. This merging of multiple gripping elements allows the system to maintain full automation while increasing productivity by enabling the simultaneous movement of multiple panels through the cutting station.
2Ease of operation
If suction cups are used to grip panels for movement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to adhesion issues with smooth and glossy surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
Different suction cups within the same gripping system are assigned different properties or configurations suitable for different panel surface conditions. This allows the system to adapt to various surface types (smooth, glossy, textured) by selecting or activating appropriate suction cups for each specific panel being handled.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction force parameters are dynamically adjusted based on panel surface characteristics. The system can modify suction pressure, cup contact area, or gripping force to ensure reliable adhesion regardless of whether the panel surface is smooth, glossy, or has other surface properties that affect suction effectiveness.
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 solution significantly increases productivity by enabling the cutting of multiple panels per cycle, reduces machine stops, and ensures reliable handling and unloading of panels, even with smooth and glossy surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first pneumatic device (SET1) of a plurality of pneumatic devices (SET1, SET2, SET3, SET4, SET5, SET6) configured to be selectively activated, individually and/or in groups, according to the position of the panels (P) and/or of the packs of panels (P) to be moved or to be locked on the work area (AL)
Implementation Method 2
a robotic manipulator (10) configured to pick up the at least one upper panel (P) of said at least one stack of panels (P)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A cutting machine (1) for cutting panels (P) made of wood or the like. The work area (AL) comprises pneumatic means (30) and/or pneumatic means (50) configured to operate in a "pneumatic vacuum holding" operating mode, so as to temporarily lock at least one bottom panel (P) of a stack of panels (P) in position on the work area (AL), while waiting for its following movement, cut or discharge. The cutting machine (1) entails the use of a robotic manipulator (10) to pick-up the upper panel (P) of the same stack of panels (P), in masked time, for its moving, cutting or unloading. The invention relates also to an innovative method for a panel cutting machine.